>>> now back to the biggest event playing out around the world tonight, the start of the new year. nbc's dede roy is with a whole lot of friends waiting for the ball to drop in times square.
>> reporter: good evening to you. it is absolutely electrifying being out here in times square surrounded by a sea of people from all corners of the world. i can tell you they went wild just moments ago when lady gaga took to the stage at the main stage right behind me and did a rehearsal. in the meantime, up to 1.5 billion people worldwide are expected to be watching tonight, many of them already having ushered in 2012. sydney, australia set the bar high. wowing 1.5 million spectators with pyrotechnics, high octane em blaze onning the sky. in hong kong 400,000 revellers delighted in fireworks painted the canvas above victoria harbor. and celebration in japan where observers released balloons bearing messages for those lost or feared dead in the tsunami and earthquake that hit the country in march. it was a different beat in taiwan where the crowd pulse ated to dance club rhythms while decadence from dubai's over the top bash in front of the tallest building in the world. soul full bells beck on the the new year in south korea. a crowd of 100,000 gathered to hear the first sounds of the year in seoul. just a few minutes ago, the celebrations reached germany. and at the crossroads of the world, up to 1 million people are expected from all corners.
>> kenya.
>> alabama.
>> mexico.
>> reporter: saying good by to 2011.
>> looking for a better 2012, definitely.
>> reporter: thousands of nypd officers are blanketing times square. barricades squeezing crowds elbow to elbow, body heat not providing enough warmth for some despite this year's milder than usual temperatures.
>> i'm like freezing. i didn't think it was going to be this cold.
>> reporter: people arrived early to get a prized spot.
>> we got here at 10:00 last night.
>> reporter: and if they want to see the glittering ball drop, there's no leaving once they're in.
>> my fingers are frozen. my toes are frozen but we're going to bear it and hopefully enjoy the night.
>> reporter: to help pass the time there are plenty of distractions down to the very last second.
>> gaga.
>> justin bieber!
>> reporter: and both will be here later on tonight. justin bieber and lady gaga the headliners for the performers later on tonight. in meantime, after that lady gaga will join mayor michael bloomberg and flip the switch to 2012. back it you.
>> dede, thanks so much. when
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