After spending most of 2019 on the road, country music star Jessie James Decker is ready to close out her year in Times Square, where she'll reveal the first Powerball Millionaire of the Year during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Lucy Hale. The night's performers include Sam Hunt, Post Malone and BTS.
The “Roots and Wings” singer spoke to Billboard on Sunday about how she’s getting ready for the night, her advice for 2020, and a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2020. You can catch Decker on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
How have you been preparing for the New Year's Rockin' Eve show?
I have been trying not to think much about it since I get nervous, but I’m really excited. It’s something you dream of, being one of the most iconic events of the year.
Which musical acts are you looking forward to?
Everybody! But probably the most excited about Post Malone. I am a huge fan. I actually brought a concert T-shirt of him that I’m going to wear under my clothes. I love him. I think he’s so talented. So when I saw he was headlining, I was so excited.
What is your favorite Post Malone song?
Everyone loves the hits, like “Better Now.” But I would probably say “Deja Vu” with Justin Bieber is my favorite.
Can we expect any music from you in 2020?
Well, I do get to sing tomorrow as well, but I have really big news… I’m not allowed to say what it is yet. But in the new year, I am definitely releasing an album and going on tour. So I’m definitely excited to be doing that.
What are your normal New Year's traditions when you’re not here?
My husband and I go to sleep, honestly. We have three kids and we just like to lay low. So we keep trying to prepare ourselves. I’m like, “How many cups of coffee am I going to need to stay up?!” I don’t stay up late anymore!
How do you balance your family with your work?
I just take them with me! I’m fortunate that they are little enough that I can just bring them with me. I just take them where I go. I gotta have them with me.
At your shows, you sometimes give these great inspirational speeches. What advice would you give to an audience going into 2020?
Focus on the positive. People tend to home in on things in life that don’t matter, but focus on the positive people and energy in life and give your energy to that, you know?
What inspires your music most?
Honestly, my kids and retired NFL player husband] Eric Decker] inspire me so much. I’m such a mommy. I love being around my family, they make me the happiest. And whenever I’m with them, I feel the most inspired.
dick clark productions, producer of New Year's Rockin' Eve, is owned by Valence Media, which also owns Billboard.
