Chicago is a tough city, with tough people, and tough weather. That being said, it was cold as hell on New Year’s Eve, with temperatures reaching a low of 18 degrees, and winds reaching 15 mph. Still, thousands of Chicagoans and tourists gathered downtown on the corner of N. Franklin Street and W. Wacker Drive to witness the city’s very first nationally broadcasted New Year countdown, hosted by South Side’s own Chance the Rapper.
The broadcast for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” began nationally at 7:00 p.m. on ABC. At that time, people were still filling in the stage area in Chicago. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. projections were being shown on The Merchandising Mart across from the stage.
During that time, Chance hopped on stage periodically for TV production purposes, as the national broadcast flipped in and out of Chicago. Chance introduced performers in other participating locations like Las Vegas, where Mariah Carey took the stage along with DJ Cassidy’s pass the mic show featuring T.I., Busta Rhymes, and Wyclef Jean. But those standing outside in Chicago had no access to those performances, only being shown the Mariah Carey performance, with no audio, and finally getting full access to DJ Cassidy’s set, with delayed audio.
With dull to no music playing, and the small but building crowd of Chicagoans being told when to cheer for artists who we couldn’t see or hear, it felt like Chicago was being used strictly for production purposes. Even Chance the Rapper said into the mic at one point, “We need to play some Hip Hop!” As he tried to get the party going.
While silence sometimes filled the cold air, occasionally a random “f*ck Green Bay” chant would begin. It was nice to see that people were still choosing to Bear Down, even if it made no sense at the time. Chicagoans were getting restless.
Now Chicago is a beautiful city, with a backdrop and views that are worthy of recognition. Unfortunately for the people that came early, you didn’t get a party, you got a production.
Fortunately the party did turn up at 9:00 p.m. Mayor Brandon Johnson, joined by Windy City Weekend and ABC 7 Eyewitness news anchor Val Warner, said a few words on stage.
“What an incredible year it’s been in 2025,” Johnson said to the crowd. “The city of Chicago has faced so many challenges, but aren’t you glad that we have a city that stands on the values of working people, protecting every single resident of this city. Black, brown, white, Asian, documented, undocumented, we will always stand firm on our values.”
The TRiiBE got a chance to briefly speak with Warner. “This is such a huge thing for our city to have ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin ‘Eve with Ryan Seacrest’ here in our city,” she said. “I think it’s the first of many to come. The energy’s great, the crowd is packed. It’s a beautiful night.”
Before leaving the stage, Warner and Johnson introduced comedian and actor Mike Epps, who came on stage and praised the city where his wife grew up and his career started.
“The first time I ever stepped on stage was at a club called The Clique in Chicago, Illinois. So I like to credit my journey to Chicago, Illinois,” Epps said as the crowd cheered. This wasn’t shown on the national broadcast.
“I’ll tell you one thing, if you’re from Chicago, there’s no other person like you in the world,” he added before exiting the stage.
Then the real party started. Things kicked up as Chosen Few DJ and house music legend Mike Dunn took the stage.
He was followed by Chicago natives DJ Mike P, Grammy Award-winning poet J. Ivy, blues singer Shemekia Copeland, and then a short performance by Chance the Rapper at 11:45 p.m.. While other performers were given a full set, it was a little underwhelming seeing Chance only perform one song, “No More Old Men” featuring Jamila Woods, who accompanied him on stage.
Chance’s performance took us right into the midnight countdown, which was definitely a magical moment — and nationally televised for the world to see. As the clock hit 12:00 a.m., the bundled-up crowd counted down together, cheering through frozen breath as fireworks lit up the Chicago skyline. The river reflected the lights, the buildings glowed, and just like that, 2026 was here and Chicago finally got its moment on national TV.
It wasn’t perfect. The night catered more to the TV audience than those of us who braved the cold for a party, and Chance only getting one song — one of his more somber songs, at that — definitely left people wanting more. Where was Common? G Herbo? What about Twista? Jeremih or Carl Thomas? Even Jennifer Hudson? We couldn’t even get a quick “It’s Chicago, nigga,” or preferably it’s PG-13 version from DJ Pharris and Chicago Bear Tremaine Edmunds? Chicago has so much talent to offer. With tons of artists who have national appeal and star power. In a moment that was so big for the city, it seemed like Chicago’s biggest stars stayed at home.
Despite the bumps, people stayed, people danced, and people showed love to the city. For a city that’s used to being overlooked unless it’s cold, violent, or losing a football game, this felt different. Chicago didn’t just host a New Year countdown, it showed off the culture and our resilience.
And yes, it was still cold as hell.
