Did you know some New Year’s Eve revelers in Times Square go to shocking lengths—think adult diapers—just to hold their spot for the iconic ball drop?
According to the Daily Mail, Ryan Seacrest, the veteran host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, recently voiced his unease about attendees wearing diapers to avoid losing their prime viewing positions, a revelation shared with People magazine alongside co-host Rita Ora, while gearing up for a star-packed broadcast marking his 21st year on the show amidst personal challenges.
Every year, determined fans brave freezing temperatures, lining up for hours to secure the best spots in Times Square for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Seacrest, at 51, dropped a bombshell in his recent interview, highlighting the extreme measures some take to stay put.
“They do things you don’t want to see them do because they’re there for that long,” Seacrest told People magazine. Frankly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher—dedication to a moment shouldn’t mean abandoning basic dignity, should it?
Rita Ora chimed in during the chat, admitting, “I heard the diaper stories.” Seacrest quickly agreed, relieved to have dodged witnessing such scenes himself, but one wonders if this is less about commitment and more about a culture obsessed with not missing a fleeting spectacle.
This year’s broadcast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve promises to dazzle with performances by big names like Diana Ross, Ciara, Chappell Roan, and Maren Morris. It’s a lineup designed to keep viewers glued to their screens, a testament to the show’s status as the nation’s top televised New Year’s event.
The program, first aired in 1972, celebrates its 54th year on television, drawing a global audience. It’s a cultural staple that transcends fleeting trends, offering a shared moment of joy in an often divided world.
For Seacrest, this year carries extra weight after a personal loss, with his father, Gary Seacrest, passing in October 2025 from prostate cancer. He’s called it a challenging time, yet remains committed to uplifting his audience. “People want to feel good,” Seacrest emphasized in the interview. If a few hours of entertainment can lift spirits and set the tone for a fresh start, that’s a mission worth pursuing—far more meaningful than any odd crowd behavior.
Marking his 21st year as host, Seacrest aims to spread positivity through the broadcast. In a year of personal hardship, that focus on viewer happiness feels like a quiet pushback against the self-absorption often peddled by modern narratives.
Adding a layer of intrigue, Seacrest will share the spotlight with his former partner, Julianne Hough, during the event. Hough, co-hosting from Las Vegas alongside Rob Gronkowski, while Seacrest anchors from New York City with Ora, once described their past romance as an overwhelming whirlwind that left her unmoored.
Their reunion, 12 years after parting ways following a three-year relationship, offers a nostalgic twist to the festivities. It’s a reminder that even amidst glitz and glamour, human connections—and their complexities—remain at the heart of these traditions.
While the diaper revelation might raise eyebrows, it’s a quirky footnote to a broadcast steeped in history and resilience. The real story is a show that continues to unite viewers worldwide, even as some attendees take dedication to eyebrow-raising extremes.
For conservatives skeptical of today’s over-the-top cultural fads, this odd Times Square trend might symbolize a misplaced focus on spectacle over substance. Yet, the enduring appeal of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve proves there’s still room for shared celebration that doesn’t bow to fleeting woke whims.
As the ball prepares to drop, let’s tip a hat to Seacrest’s staying power and hope the focus stays on joy, not bizarre crowd antics. After all, a new year deserves a start rooted in uplift, not restroom workarounds.