Ryan Seacrest hosts the primetime festivities and leads the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City, which includes reporting from actress and comic Jenny McCarthy, as well as musical performances.

Jon Wayne’s audition song is dedicated to Ray, his grandpa and best friend, who recently came out as gay. The song, “Tell Me Ray,” helped Ray believe more in himself and shed lifelong insecurities: “It’s a big relief to stand here and be proud and say I’m gay and there’s nothing wrong with it,” Ray

Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark in the New Year's countdown to 2012. Dick Clark died on April 18, 2012 at the age of 82.