Bert Kreischer and HARDY to Host “Nashville’s Big Bash”: Music City’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Music City is gearing up for its most explosive New Year’s Eve yet. CBS has officially announced that world-renowned comedian Bert Kreischer and country music sensation HARDY will co-host “NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH.” The five-hour star-studded special will air live on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT and 10:30 PM–1:30 AM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, and will be available for streaming on Paramount+.
A Tale of Two Cities: The Midnight Countdown
While the heart of the party beats in Nashville, the special will bridge the gap between two of the world’s most iconic New Year’s celebrations.
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New York City: Social media star Haley Baylee (@haleyybaylee) will serve as the NYC correspondent, leading the East Coast countdown at midnight ET for the legendary Ball Drop.
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Nashville: Kreischer and HARDY will anchor the festivities from the Bicentennial Stage, keeping the energy high through the midnight CT countdown, which features Nashville’s signature Music Note Drop and a massive fireworks display.
“I am blown away that I’m allowed to work with these people. This lineup is insane,” said Bert Kreischer. “To be working with my buddy HARDY… it feels like I should be paying CBS to do this. I hope I keep my shirt on, and I promise not to drink until the stroke of midnight—unless you want me to start drinking earlier.”
An Unrivaled Lineup of Talent
Beyond his hosting duties, HARDY is set to perform live at Bicentennial Park. He joins a heavyweight roster of headliners including Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, with special appearances by gospel icon CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
The broadcast will also feature performances from across the city by:
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Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Riley Green
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Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, and Marcus King
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Gretchen Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Fans can also look forward to appearances by comedian Dusty Slay, Entertainment Tonight’s Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM’s Buzz Brainard, and UFC champion Kayla Harrison.
The Hosts: At a Glance
Bert Kreischer: The Entertainment Juggernaut
Bert Kreischer has transformed from Rolling Stone’s “Number One Partier in the Nation” into a global comedy titan. In 2024, his tour was the #6 highest-grossing comedy tour worldwide.
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Recent Success: His sixth Netflix special, Lucky, premiered in the Top 10 in March 2025.
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The Empire: Through Berty Boy Productions, he manages hit podcasts like 2 Bears, 1 Cave (with Tom Segura) and founded the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival.
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Beyond Comedy: Kreischer recently starred in and produced the film The Machine and launched the award-winning Por Osos Vodka.
HARDY: The Modern Outlaw
HARDY continues to redefine country music with his new album, COUNTRY! COUNTRY!, which has helped propel him to over six billion career streams.
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The Songwriter: A 5x ACM and 2x CMA winner, HARDY has penned 17 No. 1 singles, including his 3x Platinum hit “TRUCK BED” and the award-winning “wait in the truck.”
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The Performer: Known for blending heavy Southern rock with country sensibilities, HARDY is set to embark on “THE COUNTRY! COUNTRY! TOUR!” in 2026.
Join the Party at “Category 10”
For those in Nashville, Luke Combs’ “Category 10” will serve as the official watch party headquarters. The event is free and open to fans 21+ on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening at 6:00 PM.
The watch party will feature live performances from Grammy-award winner Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King, with special appearances by Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack.