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It's New Year's Eve. Your home is jumping with loud music, tipsy celebrants, neon glow sticks waving in unison. Or maybe you're sitting quietly on the couch with your one-and-only (husband or dog or carton of Ben & Jerry's…). Either way, you have to switch on the TV for the countdown to 2010.
So, who's it gonna be? Ryan Seacrest on ABC or Carson Daly on NBC? (The ABC show, which has aired every year since 1972, usually draws the most viewers.) Here's a quick primer to help determine your countdown companion:
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2010
(Primetime, 10-11 p.m. ET; Part 1, 11:30 p.m. - 1:05 a.m. ET; Part 2, 1:05 a.m. - 2:05 a.m. ET, ABC)
Hosts:
Ryan Seacrest, 35, and Dick Clark, 80. Though it's still technically Clark's show, Seacrest has been cohosting since 2005. "I wish my delivery was crisp and clean," Clark recently told USA Today. "But due to my stroke [in 2004] I'm happy that Ryan Seacrest now carries the heavier load."
Special Correspondent (hired for supposedly witty repartee to fill air time before the ball drops):
Good Morning America's Melissa Rycroft (Actually, you may know her better as the third place winner of season 8's Dancing with the Stars or as Jason Mesnick's jilted lover from The Bachelor.)
What you'll get:
A bicoastal celebration with musical performances and reports on New Year's celebrations from around the world. Plus, Dick Clark counting down to midnight.
Performing in New York's Times Square:
Jennifer Lopez and Daughtry.
Performing in Las Vegas:
The Black Eyed Peas, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Keri Hilson, Colbie Caillat, Orianthi and Robin Thicke.
NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly
(10 PM - 12:30 a.m. ET, NBC)
Host:
Carson Daly, 36
Special Correspondents (hired for supposedly witty repartee to fill air time before the ball drops):
The Today Show's Natalie Morales and former MSNBC anchor Allison Stewart.
What you'll get:
A two-hour, live show of musical performances and Times Square interviews with teeth-chattering revelers. (Snow began falling early New Year's Eve day in New York City so they'll also be slushing around in the white stuff.) Also, NBC will air the "exclusive world premiere" of Jay-Z's new video, "On To The Next One," from The Blueprint 3 album. And, of course, there's Daly's countdown to midnight.
Performing in Times Square:
Rihanna, Jay-Z and Green Day
Now that you have your New Year's Eve special rundown, bring on the bubbly!
Plus: 13 Celeb Resolutions We'd Love to See
How do you like to ring in the new year? Chime in below!
