ATRL - Celeb News: Times Square draws record crowd on New Year's Eve

Remixed · 8:30 PM

Times Square Hosts Record Crowds, Surprise Kisses, and a Big Cleanup

Officials estimate between 1.5 to 2 million people gathered around the time square area to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve -- a number that may have topped previous record-breaking crowd estimates.

Some revelers, wearing party hats and "2012" glasses, began camping out Saturday morning, even as workers readied bags stuffed with hundreds of balloons and technicians put colored filters on klieg lights. The crowds cheered as workers lit the crystal-paneled ball that would drop at midnight Saturday and put it through a test run, 400 feet above the street. The sphere, decorated with 3,000 Waterford crystal triangles, has been dropping to mark the new year since 1907, long before television made it a U.S. tradition.

In Times Square, people crammed into spectators pens ringed by barricades, enjoying surprisingly warm weather for the Northeast. The National Weather Service said it was about 49 degrees in nearby Central Park -- about 10 degrees warmer than the normal high temperature.

Dick Clark, who suffered a stroke in 2004, made a few brief appearances hosting his namesake New Year's Eve celebration. He introduced Lady Gaga, who performed along with. Justin Bieber and Cee-Lo.

Mayor Bloomberg and Lady Gaga led the crowd in a countdown to 2012, and the singer surprised everybody -- but especially Hizzoner -- when she kissed Bloomberg on the lips after midnight.

Rockin' New Year's Eve correspondent Jenny McCarthy planted a kiss on one of the city's finest, kissing the "hot cop" who happened to be standing next to her.

The police officer said McCarthy's kiss was a "10."

After the streets cleared out, the Sanitation Department began their cleanup.

A Department spokesman said 149 workers converged on Times Square, using 22 trucks, 24 mechanical sweepers and 37 backpack blowers to clear and estimated 40 to 50 tons of confetti, party hats and other remainders of the revelry.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local...136506438.html

Haus · , 7:52 PM

GaGa

first GMA now this

Monroe · , 7:54 PM

I knew there would be fans saying the crowd was this huge because of Gaga.

Remixed · , 7:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

I knew there would be fans saying the crowd was this huge because of Gaga.

But who is saying this? I posted a photo of Gaga because she just happened to be performing. Maybe you think that's the reason though?

Anthagio · , 7:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

I knew there would be fans saying the crowd was this huge because of Gaga.

Well, yeah, I'm saying that.

This entire year, every time Gaga attended an award show, the ratings were the best they've seen in years, so...
Let's face it, a couple million Little Monsters watch everything Gaga is on.

Do you want to argue that they watched because they just love Pitbull?

RatedG² · , 7:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

I knew there would be fans saying the crowd was this huge because of Gaga.

Well it wasn't because of nothing

Monroe · , 7:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Remixed

But who is saying this?

The posters above me.

Remixed · , 7:57 PM

Obviously Lady Gaga & Justin Bieber - in combination with the temperature drew this crowd

Monroe · , 7:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Anthagio

Do you want to argue that they watched because they just love Pitbull?

It was 2012, the apocalypse and the end of the world mythos and everything concerned in it. That was probably a huge part of the ratings spike as well. Combined with the warm temp. all provided a sizeable crowd. I doubt it was just her.

Haus · , 7:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

I knew there would be fans saying the crowd was this huge because of Gaga.

Who else would it be? Obvs Bieber brought in some kiddos but I'm sure it was past most of his fans bedtimes

JC. · , 7:59 PM

If it was because of Gaga, they sure didn't show any enthusiasm while she was performing

BORNTOSLAY · , 8:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

It was 2012, the apocalypse and the end of the world mythos and everything concerned in it. That was probably a huge part of the ratings spike as well. Combined with the warm temp. all provided a sizeable crowd. I doubt it was just her.

Sis

Remixed · , 8:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Monroe

It was 2012, the apocalypse and the end of the world mythos and everything concerned in it. That was probably a huge part of the ratings spike as well. Combined with the warm temp. all provided a sizeable crowd. I doubt it was just her.

Lord