Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve Performers to Ring in 2011

Get set to welcome 2011 with some rock, some pop and everything in between!

ABC's annual bash (since 1972, anyway), "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" will be back as the backdrop for your New Year 's Eve festivities. The show's highlight- the big lighted ball drop live from New York's Times Square- is preceded by musical performances, interviews and commentary.

Hosts Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark (who is now 81 years old!) will hold court In New York for the action in Times Square, while Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie will return for a 5th time to host segments of the festivities from Los Angeles.

The night will be filled with musical guests including Natasha Bedingfield, Jason Derulo, Drake, Far East Movement, Jennifer Hudson, La Roux, Avril Lavigne, Mike Posner, Ne-Yo, Train and Willow Smith.

It's been a big year for California rock band Train, who had a mega hit with their song "Drops of Jupiter" back in 2001. After a short hiatus the band was back last year and their single "Hey Soul Sister" was a major hit in 2010.

But it's Willow Smith who may create the most buzz on this year's show. Smith is the daughter of actor Will Smith and actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The 10 year old's song, "Whip My Hair" , went viral on the internet before it was even released. The Rihanna-sounding track does not sound like a 10 year old!

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" has become a part of American pop culture. References to the annual bash have been made on television shows like "The Simpson's," "Friends" and "The King of Queens" and footage of the very first show from 1972 show can be seen in the movie "Forrest Gump".

The first show was hosted by 70's rock band Three Dog Night with guests Helen Reddy, Al Green and Blood, Sweat and Tears. In later years guests like Aerosmith, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw and Jennifer Lopez joined the party.

You can catch "Dick Clark's New Years Rockin Eve" on December 31^st starting at 10:00 p.m. ET on ABC.