NEW YORK — There's nothing like celebrating the new year with some friendly faces, and that's exactly what MTV did Saturday night with "NYE in NYC 2012," hosted by "Teen Wolf" star Tyler Posey and Demi Lovato.
The event lit up the Times Square studio and found Lovato herself, Selena Gomez, Mac Miller, J. Cole and Jason Derülo performing their way into 2012 in front of a sea of energetic fans.
Lovato played double duty as the clock counted down to midnight when she kicked off the star-studded performance event with her new single, "Give Your Heart a Break." Dressed in a black corset and skirt, the former Disney starlet belted out the tune, offering fans big notes and vocal runs.
"America's Best Dance Crew" winners I.aM.mE turned the stage into a dance extravaganza when they moved to the groove of LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem." Much like their choreography on the MTV dance competition, the six-member group showed off some slick moves that utilized body parts as objects. They continued to perform throughout the event to the music of Pitbull and Rihanna.
Jason Derülo turned up the dance even more when he took the stage for "It Girl" and "Don't Wanna Go Home." Surrounded by fans, the R&B star made proper use of his sideline female dancer for the first number and an entire crew of backup dancers for the following tune.
Viewers also caught a glimpse of the reboot of MTV's beloved "Punk'd." Teaser footage included pranks played on Posey and Khloé Kardashian with the help of Miley Cyrus, Kelly Osbourne and Bam Margera.
Mac Miller topped off his successful 2011 with a comedic performance of his hit single "Party on Fifth Ave," in which he recreated the tune's retro clip. Miller arrived on set with high energy and encouraged the audience to jump to their feet.
Soon after, J. Cole continued to rep for rap with "Work Out." Walking back and forth in a path made by fans, the MC spit the feel-good song as the audience simultaneously waved their hands in the air.
After some dance jams courtesy of DJ Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, "Switched at Birth" starlets Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc appeared in studio and took photos with fans.
Wrapping up the show was Selena Gomez, who screamed the countdown to 2012 and kicked off her first performance of the new year with a medley of "Love You Like a Love Song" and "Hit the Lights." As the audience cheered and confetti filled the air, the pop star was all smiles in her sparkly dress.
MTV News caught up with Posey backstage, where he spoke about the high-profile gig, saying, "I personally don't feel like I am at this level yet to be doing this. I feel honored, grateful and thankful."