One Direction returns to headline Billboard Hollywood Party on 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest'

Special begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC from New York's Times Square

One Direction returns for its second year to headline the Billboard Hollywood Party as part of ABC's telecast of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2016." The group will perform three songs throughout the show during the bicoastal celebration. They join previously announced performer Carrie Underwood, who will perform for over 1 million fans in Times Square moments before the ball drops.

With more than 35 performances and almost six hours of music, America's biggest celebration of the year will take place Thursday, Dec. 31, beginning at 8 p.m. on the ABC Television Network.

"It's been an incredible year for us, and we can't wait to ring in the new year with all our fans on 'New Year's Rockin' Eve,' " One Direction said. "It's an honor to be back at the Billboard Hollywood Party for our second year."

The show will include hours of special performances and reports on New Year's celebrations from around the globe. Ryan Seacrest will host and lead the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City as he has for the past 10 years, with live reporting from actress and comedian Jenny McCarthy. Pop star Fergie will oversee the festivities at the Billboard Hollywood Party in Los Angeles.