NKOTB, Boys plan New Year's gig

NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys are to perform from New York's Times Square on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011."

ABC said Thursday the male pop acts will join previously announced acts Ke$ha and Taio Cruz in Times Square, as well as Los Angeles-based performers such as Jennifer Hudson, Willow Smith, Ne-Yo, Avril Lavigne, Drake, Jason Derulo, La Roux, Mike Posner, Natasha Bedingfield, Far East Movement and Train.

Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will present the specials from New York beginning at 10 p.m., ET on Dec. 31 on ABC. They will be joined by Times Square Correspondent Jenny McCarthy.

Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas will return to serve as host of the Los Angeles party portions of the specials, ABC said.