At a Glance
- Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026 will hit 220 million homes.
- Star-studded lineup includes Cheap Trick, Styx, Foreigner, and more.
- Multiple staging areas from New York to Las Vegas.
- Why it matters: Millions will tune in for a nationwide celebration and chance to join via social media.
The countdown to 2026 has begun! The Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026, News Of Austin’s exclusive New Year’s special, will reach over 220 million homes with multiple staging areas from New York, Texas, Arizona, all the way to the Las Vegas Strip.
Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026
The spectacular event features performances by Cheap Trick, Styx, Mac McAnally, Kevin Cronin Band (featuring the former lead singer of REO Speedwagon), Foreigner and more.
Performers Talk Resolutions
With 2026 approaching, we asked some performers about their resolutions for the New Year.
Jeff Pilson stated:
> ‘I don’t believe in those. I really don’t, because invariably you’re setting yourself up for failure. I just try to live a disciplined life anyways. I make my resolutions daily rather than just on New Year’s Day,’
Luis Maldonado agreed:
> ‘Yeah, I’m with you on that. I take the year and I just develop what I need to change in my year. And then if I get to my target point, then I’ll celebrate on New Year’s.’
Tommy Shaw said:
> ‘They’ve already got everything they want, mainly the fans showing up – so keeping people interested just keeps them interested.’
Lawrence Gowan added:
> ‘I’m over here making a New Year’s resolution every single morning… only to be completely disappointed by dinner.’
Kevin Cronin explained:
> ‘I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions. When something becomes apparent that I need to change or a challenge I need to take on, I don’t wait for New Year’s – I do it in the moment.’
Kevin Cronin added:
> ‘New Year’s is more of a reminder. It’s a moment of reflection and renewal. That’s what I’ll be focusing on this New Year’s Eve.’
Mac McAnally joked:
> ‘I treat New Year’s resolutions like an over-caffeinated version of my daily routine, joking that my yearly goal is just a ‘double-strength version’ of my usual effort to get a little better tomorrow than I did today. He admits the holiday might add a little extra ‘oomph,’ but ultimately, he keeps the same steady mindset all year long. And even though he doesn’t always hit the mark, he embraces the idea of ‘batting for average,’ proving that progress, even imperfect progress, counts just as much as any grand resolution.’
Many share Pilson’s view, choosing to make daily resolutions rather than saving them for the end of the year.
Kevin Cronin, former lead singer of REO Speedwagon, agrees that daily action is preferable to waiting for New Year’s.
Mac McAnally treats New Year’s resolutions like an over-caffeinated version of his daily routine, joking that his yearly goal is just a ‘double-strength version’ of his usual effort to get a little better tomorrow than he did today.
Whether you have New Year’s resolutions or you don’t, you also have an opportunity to be part of the show!
Catch the Times Square ball drop during Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026 on News Of Austin‘s free CTV app (Roku, Apple TV, Fire) beginning at 8pm PT/11pm ET on New Year’s Eve (pre-show begins for participating markets at 5pm PT/8pm ET exclusively on CTV).
Check your local listings for details on how to watch on-air, or stream live on this website and enjoy exclusive bonus content not seen anywhere else.
Join the Countdown
Share photos, videos, New Year’s resolutions, and holiday wishes through the online Coast-to-Coast Countdown Photo submission portal or with the hashtag #coast2coastnye on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Broadcast Details
The Times Square ball drop during Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026 will be streamed on News Of Austin‘s free CTV app (Roku, Apple TV, Fire) starting at 8pm PT/11pm ET on New Year’s Eve, with pre-show for participating markets at 5pm PT/8pm ET exclusively on CTV. #Coast2CoastNYE will feature Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Styx, Mac McAnally, Kevin Cronin Band (former lead singer of REO Speedwagon), UB-40, The Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, and Bri Bagwell. Check local listings for details on how to watch on-air, or stream live on this website and enjoy exclusive bonus content not seen anywhere else.
Key Takeaways
- 220 million homes will receive the Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026.
- The event features a star-packed lineup including Cheap Trick, Styx, and Foreigner.
- Viewers can join by submitting photos and using #coast2coastnye across social media.
The countdown to 2026 is a chance to celebrate, reflect, and join a nationwide party.
