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CNN Live Event/Special
CNN's New Year's Eve Live; The World Welcomes 2025; Hong Kong Counts Down to 2025; One-on-one with K-pop Icon Taeyang; Bangkok Counting Down to 2025; Time Square to Host Iconic Ball Drop. Interview with Fashion Designer Vivienne Tam. Aired 9-9:30a ET
Aired December 31, 2024 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[09:01:10]
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN ANCHOR: You are looking at live imagery at the festivities in Tokyo, just a little over an hour to the New Year in Japan. We want to welcome you to CNN's special coverage of New Year's Eve Live. And this is the view from Victoria Harbour here in Hong Kong. I'm Kristie Lu Stout coming to you live from Harbour City.
JULIA CHATTERLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Marquis in the heart of Times Square in New York City. All day long. CNN is taking you around the world as we celebrate 2024 with you in style until everyone everywhere rings in the New Year.
It's already, of course, the New Year in Sydney. We brought you that breathtaking display over Sydney Harbour live last hour. And one hour from now, they'll hit midnight in Tokyo, and then you'll get to see all the festivities right here on CNN.
Stay with us over the coming hours as we get you set to party like its 2025 across Asia and beyond. Until the ball drops here in New York City.
STOUT: OK, so let's first get over to Tokyo, which is also saying goodbye to its final hour of 2024. Hanako Montgomery is there and standing by. She joins us now. And Hanako, we are on the cusp of 2025 there in Japan. Set the scene for us.
HANAKO MONTGOMERY, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kristie. It's so good to see you and Happy New Year's Eve.
So as you said, we only have an hour left of 2024 and the party is just getting started right here in Tokyo. Behind me, you can see the stage is lit blue. We just had a fantastic performance from a DJ called Fantastic Plastic Machine. He's known for his contributions to the musical subgenre Shibuya-kei, which is a Japanese indie pop that really set off in the 90's. It was an amazing performance.
And really, in the past hour or so, we've seen a gorgeous projection map on the skyscraper right here behind me. We're in the heart of Tokyo, in Shinjuku. And you can tell the people are just so excited to be here celebrating the last couple of hours of 2024. You have foreigners here, you have travelers. You have Japanese people with their families, their loved ones, and it is just palpable. The excitement here, Kristie.
STOUT: The excitement is palpable. I can't wait to see everything lined up. And ahead of tonight's party, Hanako, earlier this month, well before recent events, you spoke to a K-pop superstar. Tell us about the interview.
MONTGOMERY: Yes, Kristie. Oh, my goodness. Earlier this December, we spoke and sat down with the fantastic K-pop artist Taeyang. And for those of you who don't know who Taeyang is, even though that sounds impossible. He is a member of the huge, huge K-pop boy band BigBang. But also, he's known for his illustrative and monumental career as a solo artist.
In fact, for the past 14 years, Kristie, he's helped shape K-pop into the global phenomenon, the global movement that it is today. Here's what he had to say about his 2025.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MONTGOMERY (voice-over): Captivating dance moves, powerful vocals.
Taeyang, the K-pop sensation has shaped the global phenomenon for nearly two decades, both with BigBang and as a solo artist.
[09:05:03]
His 2010 debut solo album, "Solar," made him the first Asian artist to top iTunes North America. After stepping away from mandatory military service in 2018, he's back and bigger than ever.
We caught up with him during his first solo tour since his return.
TAEYANG, SOUTH KOREAN SINGER-SONGWRITER: I'm just so blessed to know my fans have waited for me as much as I have waited for them. Their love and support have only grown stronger and I'm really grateful.
MONTGOMERY (on camera): You and BigBang are really pioneers when it comes to making K-pop a global sensation. How do you feel now looking at how K-pop has really taken the world by storm?
TAEYANG: Thank you for saying that.
(TAEYANG SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
TAEYANG (through text translation): Thankfully, we were able to open doors to global markets for many K-pop bands that came after us, and they can perform on world stages. I wouldn't say we presented that, but it feels great to see that our efforts have played a part in that.
MONTGOMERY (voice-over): And earlier this year, I believe you and BigBang had a -- a bit of a reunion at the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka and fans really went crazy for it. Can they expect more reunions like that in 2025? TAEYANG: Yeah, in two years' time, it will be our 20th anniversary and hopefully we will. We will have some events to celebrate this. I will try my best to do something special for my fans. Stay tuned.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MONTGOMERY (on camera): I mean, talk about an icon here, Kristie. He is just so humble. Of course, even though he is so well known across the world. Shout out Taeyang for making the time earlier in December to sit down with us. So clearly you have a lot to look forward to if you are a Taeyang or a BigBang fan in 2025. Kristie.
STOUT: That was incredible because Taeyang is not just a K-pop idol, he is a pop music super idol. He is hardworking. He is intense. And he is insanely talented.
Hanako, thank you so much for bringing us that interview and we'll talk again with you soon.
Now let's get over to Bangkok, which is still just a few hours out from the start of 2025. And Will Ripley is there. And Will, I did my homework assignment earlier this year. You gave me a homework assignment. You said that we needed to bedazzle our microphones for the next New Year's Eve, and guess what I did? I did my homework assignment. I have it done. I'm going to use this up tonight. When I talk to the revelers.
WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: You delivered.
STOUT: I delivered, my friend.
RIPLEY: Oh, Kristie.
STOUT: OK. Now tell me about the scene there in Bangkok, my friend.
RIPLEY: Kristie.
STOUT: How are people there being stylish and getting bedazzled for the big event?
RIPLEY: I'm so impressed that you got out the bedazzle and you did it. I'm ashamed to say that I just have a normal CNN mic flag. If you and I were in class together, you'd be the straight-A student in the front row. And I'd probably be slouching in the back trying to avoid the teacher's eye contact.
But, Kristie, it's great to be with you again -- once again this year from Bangkok. A little different surroundings this year. Last year, I was about a mile down the Chao Phraya River, on the rooftop across from the Temple of Dawn. And tonight, I am here at ICONSIAM, a truly iconic place to ring in the New Year with crowds that organizers were estimating to be upwards of 70,000 people tonight.
And a lot of them are coming here to see one person, a Thai icon, Thai-conic as her -- as her people tell us we need to refer to her because she is truly iconic. She is Lisa. She started her career right here in Bangkok as a 13-year-old, auditioning to join the South Korean K-pop group Blackpink. And we know how that turned out. Blackpink headlining Coachella, topping charts around the world. And now Lisa is on her own, and she's going to be performing here tonight. And we are going to be interviewing her.
I have to -- I'm standing here with two Lisa superfans, Vivi and Tata -- Vivian and Sasa.
Vivian, Sasa, I don't know where the heck I got the Tata from, but Vivian and Sasa, as you can tell, they're -- they're twins and they are really excited about coming here to see Lisa. So when you found out that your dad was able to get tickets, what were you most excited about to see Lisa tonight? I know it's loud, so I'm shouting here
SASA, FAN OF LISA: I didn't catch.
What are you most excited about tonight? To see Lisa.
SASA: OK. Yeah.
Oh, we are both really excited to be here tonight. We're having a blast right now. We are so really excited to see Lisa up close in real life, because I feel like it's a once in a lifetime experience for the both of us.
RIPLEY: And I'm going to be interviewing her pretty soon in the next hour or two. So what question would you like me to ask her on your behalf?
VIVIAN, FAN OF LISA: I want to ask her, what does she miss most about Thailand when she's living abroad.
[09:10:04]
RIPLEY: What is she -- that's a great question. We'll have to ask her. I promise, I'll ask her. And I'll get back to you, because you're going to be in the crowd. Vivian, Sasa, thank you very much for being on our show. Happy New Year, almost. We'll see you. We'll see you during the concert. It's going to get even louder here than it is right now. Bye-bye. Thank you, guys.
All right, Kristie. So lots of excitement here. Uh, Vivian and Sasa, one of the droves of fans, tens of thousands that are going to be packing the stage here at ICONSIAM to see a whole bunch of entertainment and their big headliner tonight. Lisa, coming up soon.
STOUT: Will, the party is happening there in Bangkok. I cannot believe you're talking to Lisa. You got to ask her about "White Lotus" because she's starring in the next season. We'll talk again soon.
Now, meanwhile, in New York, preparations are underway for the city's legendary New Year celebrations. That's where we have Julia Chatterley at the Marriott Marquis. And Julia, here in Asia, look, we got Teayang, we got Lisa from Blackpink. But it all culminates with the climax, which is the ball drop there in Times Square. CHATTERLEY: It absolutely does. And I'll tell you what, I am so excited. It almost feels like midnight already. And I've been here since the small hours of this morning. I'll tell you a secret. This is my first time in Times Square for New Year's Eve. I've watched it on the television. Normally I'm back home in England. So it feels hugely momentous to be one of the 1 million people that are expected to gather here in the coming hours here in Times Square.
It's super exciting. The obvious things, and I've got the ball, the sphere, the crystal sphere just in my eyesight here. So I'm keeping an eye on it. That, of course, drops at midnight. But my favorite part of this, which I literally cannot wait for, is the confetti drop that happens at midnight too. And on a lot of those pieces of paper, people have written their wishes for 2025.
I'm not going to tell you what I wished but one of my wishes, I hope will be lighting up and falling from the sky later on. It's a hugely exciting evening. And you can already see actually crowds and people starting to gather. Clearly, they're hours early. The great news for me is that, as you can see, the sun is up and it's shining. It's freezing cold, but it's beautiful. Less good news if you're going to be here later, because apparently, it's going to be raining, so you're not allowed to bring umbrellas. You've got to bring your ponchos. But don't worry, we are prepared.
And what we tried earlier, I'm going to try it again because my colleague Brynn Gingras is actually down there in Times Square. And if we can get the cameras coordinated, I'm going to try and wave to her so that you see where she is and where I am, too.
So, Brynn, can you hear me? I'm up here looking down at you.
BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I can. I'm playing tricks on you, Julia. I moved a little bit, but I see you.
CHATTERLEY: No.
GINGRAS: Yeah, we are down here --
CHATTERLEY: Oh, dear. I'm waving in the wrong direction.
GINGRAS: -- on the ground.
No, no, I saw you. You were waving. You saw me. I think.
(LAUGHTER)
Yeah, Julia, we are down here. Right in actually, one of the pens that people are going to be stuffed into in just a few hours. You can see behind me where you have a great shot, Julia, of that ball that is still below or behind, rather the 2025 at the moment, but that is going to rise up later in the afternoon. Even that is exciting when you see that happen, because you know you're getting closer to midnight.
Now, Julia, you were just talking about all these revelers who are about to pack Times Square, waiting, getting excited. Well, look, we even have some here who are standing behind the pens waiting for their moment to get in and start the process of just waiting and waiting and waiting until midnight. And this is one beautiful woman who has tried to do this before and is coming back a second time, and you're determined to make it in one of these pens. Tell me why you had to be here.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, exactly. I'm originally from Spain, and I came here in 2019, but I could not make it because I got here in the evening. And so I was like, OK, this year I take no chances. I had to be here. It's been my dream since I was a little kid. And yeah, and here I am. And I moved to Santa Barbara, California back in 2019 as well. And yeah, I just got here on a vacation. And I was like, OK, this year I had to make it.
GINGRAS: You got to do it. You got to do it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Exactly. Yeah.
GINGRAS: It's a bucket list item. Now, Julia and everyone has been talking about how it's nice right now, but it is going to rain. And you guys, you and your boyfriend, you guys are prepared.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, yes. We brought ponchos. We brought coats. We brought gloves. Everything.
GINGRAS: So you don't mind standing here, crammed in, waiting for hours on end, not able to go to the bathroom, not able to use an umbrella. But you will be ready. And you don't care what the weather is.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Exactly. I'm used to do it for Coachella. EDC Vegas, and other music festivals because we both like to be front row at all the concerts. So we are used to be by the real full days.
GINGRAS: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So this feels like nothing.
GINGRAS: This is nothing.
All right. Well, you are in for such a treat. Thank you so much for talking to us.
[09:15:00]
And Julia, I got to say quickly, this is the best part about being able to be down here on the ground because you meet so many people from so many countries all across the United States.
CHATTERLEY: Yeah.
GINGRAS: Just people who are just genuinely excited to take this in, this moment. Ringing in 2025 and really the best way possible. As you already said, you're biased, and I am too. CHATTERLEY: Yeah, it's such an exciting feeling. And of course we can all make ponchos look fabulous. No problem at all. Brynn, for now, thank you so much.
And Kristie. Yeah, I'll be wearing my poncho later on today. I will echo Will and say your jacket is absolutely fabulous. Let's hope you don't get rain.
STOUT: I know you love the sparkle. No rain here, but it's worth it to wear the poncho --
CHATTERLEY: Love the sparkle.
STOUT: -- when you get to see the crystal ball drop and make everyone's wishes come true. Julia, thank you so much.
CHATTERLEY: Yeah, yeah.
STOUT: We'll talk again soon.
The countdown is on in Tokyo. So do stay with us here at CNN as we help you to usher in to the New Year. And the party is well underway in Australia. Got a look at how Sydney's world famous pyrotechnics ushered in the New Year.
Plus, her designs can be seen in museums and on runways all over the world. Hong Kong raised Vivienne Tam shows me her unique blend of tradition and innovation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NYMPHIA WIND, TAIWANESE PERFORMER: Hi, I'm Nymphia Wind. And in 2025, I'm looking forward to more bananas and more yellow, and more love for the world. Woohoo!
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[09:20:52]
STOUT: Welcome back to CNN's New Year's Eve special. And you are looking at one of the world's most iconic New Year's celebrations. Australia ushered in 2025. In the last hour, with this. A spectacular fireworks display. Did you see that bridge waterfall? That was epic. It was all launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and other landmarks.
Now Japan is up next, and the clocks are ticking down to midnight there. We'll head back to Tokyo, live in just a few minutes to see how the celebrations are coming along.
And meanwhile, here in Hong Kong, we're not too far behind. We're less than two hours away from ringing in 2025. And for some people, the New Year might mean considering a new style.
Now, Vivienne Tam knows all about that. From Hong Kong to New York, her designs have been transcending boundaries for 30 years. And I spoke with her about mixing the traditional with the modern and still keeping things fresh.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STOUT (voice-over): She's known for her east meets west sensibility and an aesthetic known as China chic.
Vivienne Tam is the iconic designer now marking 30 years in the business. Her sought after creations, worn by superstar Julia Roberts --
JULIA ROBERTS, ACTRESS: Vivienne Tam.
STOUT (voice-over): First Lady Jill Biden, Grammy winning artist Sza and even yours truly.
STOUT (on camera): This is so cool.
VIVIENNE TAM, CHINESE-AMERICAN FASHION DESIGNER: Yeah.
STOUT (voice-over): We meet at her store.
STOUT (on camera): You're doing a mesh version of the Chinese quilted jacket.
TAM: Yeah, exactly.
STOUT (voice-over): Here in Hong Kong, the city where she was raised.
TAM: I grew up in Hong Kong, and I love Hong Kong. And Hong Kong is the east and west is the bridge. And I'm the bridge because I grew up here and I graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic.
STOUT (on camera): Your designs have made it into the archives of some of the world's top museums. From the Metropolitan in New York, Victoria and Albert in London and elsewhere. What do you think is the cultural and historic significance of your design?
TAM: I feel so great when they ask my pieces. I thought, wow, you know, I did something. You know, I did something.
STOUT: This year is a big year. It marks 30 years of Vivienne Tam, the label being in business.
TAM: Yeah. I mean --
STOUT: How has your design philosophy evolved?
TAM: Every collection tells a beautiful story about the two worlds, and the last collection is called tradition meets innovation.
And this is something that really what I do, you know, keep on learning. Learning about the world, learning about the people.
STOUT: There's something called xinzhongshi or new Chinese styles and consumers in China embracing classical and traditional modes of Chinese dress. And Vivienne, this is something that you've been doing all along. How do you keep fresh?
TAM: You, even though it's ancient, it is old culture, it's a heritage. But every time I look at it, there's new newness to me.
This I love. This I make it longer one. And with the dragon.
STOUT: Oh my gosh.
TAM: We interpret that into something that we can wear, not costume anymore.
STOUT: What are your goals for next year?
TAM: Keep on learning. Keep on adapting to new technology, new way of living and shopping. The people what they would love to wear and then how to communicate with them.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STOUT: Under upcycled formal wear is gorgeous. Definitely one to check out.
Now we're going to be checking back in with Julia next. She has been cooking up a New Year's dish with celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. And one of the most sought-after restaurants in New York.
Also ahead, an Olympic gold medalist speaks to CNN about his plans to reshape Japan's skateboarding culture.
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[09:29:22]
STOUT: Welcome back. You're watching CNN's New Year's Eve Live. And we are taking you around the world to ring in 2025.
Now Sydney, Australia is already in 2025. It has been in full party mode.
And in about 90 minutes from now, Hong Kong and Shanghai will join the celebration.
And Tokyo, it is your turn next. In about half an hour from now.
Now let's go back to New York City to see how things are going there. And Julia Chatterley is back with us from the Marriott Marquis.
And Julia, you got something special cooking up for New Year's Eve?
