"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve': Lucy Hale to join Ryan Seacrest as new co-host in Times Square; Billy Porter to host New Orleans festivities; Ciara returns as LA host

New Year’s celebration begins live at 8 p.m. on ABC from New York City’s Times Square

dick clark productions and ABC announced award-winning actress Lucy Hale, who previously served as host of the New Orleans festivities, will join Ryan Seacrest in Times Square as new co-host in New York for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020.”

Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright Billy Porter will also join the show, taking the reins in the central time zone and making his debut as host of the New Orleans countdown.

Returning to the show for her third year, multi-Platinum-selling artist Ciara will once again oversee the Los Angeles festivities.

Seacrest, who returns as host for his 15th year, will lead the traditional countdown to midnight live from New York City on Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

“As we ring in a new decade and my 15th year hosting the show, I’m so excited to welcome the talented Lucy Hale to the stage with me,” Seacrest said. “It’s going to be a powerhouse year with Billy and Ciara, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” marks the 48th anniversary of America’s biggest celebration of the year and will include more than five hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s festivities from around the globe.

The lineup of performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

Follow “Dick Clark’s New Year's Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” on social (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube), and join the conversation by using the official hashtag #RockinEve.

For more information, visit www.newyearsrockineve.com.