Cuban-American rapper and songwriter Pitbull made history in the New Year's Eve tradition by placing the final crystal on the iconic Times Square ball this Friday. This symbolic act kicks off the festivities for the 2025 New Year celebration in the bustling heart of New York City.
Pitbull joined forces with Joy Mangano, founder of the cleaning company CleanBoss, in a combined effort of cleaning and installing crystals on the famous sphere atop the One Times Square building. This skyscraper, currently undergoing an extensive renovation, is set to reopen in 2025 after years of transformation.
"I was a kid cleaning houses with my mom, and today I stand here representing a product that symbolizes all the underdogs, those who clean hotels, buildings, and homes. I want them to know that dreams can come true," said the artist, also known as "Mr. Worldwide," reflecting on his humble beginnings and expressing gratitude.
Following his heartfelt words, Pitbull placed the final crystal on the ball while Mangano polished it with her signature product. The rapper then illuminated the sphere in a vibrant red hue, synchronized with his hit song "Fireball," igniting excitement among the crowd.
The Unique Times Square Sphere
The geodesic sphere, nearly four meters in diameter, is adorned with 2,688 crystal triangles, all replaced this year for the first time in a decade. The new crystals feature two innovative designs created by the New York-based Gillinder Glass.
One Times Square: Decorated with elongated lines and a circle at the top, symbolizing the building and the pole supporting the ball.
Ever Crystal: Featuring three pairs of interwoven rings, surrounded by diamond-like facets and embellished with the letter "E" for ever, representing unity.
These enhancements allow the sphere to shine with over 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns, crafting a unique visual spectacle.
A Century-Old Tradition
The Times Square ball drop commenced in 1907 with the descent of an iron and wood sphere illuminated by incandescent bulbs. Designed by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr, the original ball weighed 318 kilograms and measured 1.52 meters in diameter.
Over the years, the ball has undergone numerous technological advancements, evolving from its initial design to its current state equipped with advanced LED technology. Although the celebration was paused in 1942 and 1943 due to wartime blackouts, Times Square became a place of reflection where crowds welcomed the New Year in silence, followed by the ringing of bells from One Times Square.
No New Year's Eve ceremony would be complete without classic elements such as fireworks, confetti with messages from attendees, and the iconic "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra to mark the transition to 2025. This event, rich in symbolism and tradition, reaffirms Times Square as a global celebration epicenter, with this year's celebration holding a special touch thanks to Pitbull's participation and his inspiring message about the power of dreams and perseverance.
Pitbull and the Times Square New Year's Tradition
Who collaborated with Pitbull on the Times Square ball?
Pitbull collaborated with Joy Mangano, founder of CleanBoss, in installing the final crystal on the Times Square ball.
What is special about the new crystals on the Times Square ball?
The new crystals, designed by Gillinder Glass, feature unique patterns including the One Times Square and Ever Crystal designs, allowing for a vibrant and dynamic light display.
When did the Times Square ball drop tradition begin?
The tradition of the Times Square ball drop began in 1907.