CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper has become a fan-favorite tradition, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of tequila. As the clock ticked down to 2025, the dynamic duo returned to Times Square, bringing their signature charm to millions of viewers at home. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s most hilarious and unforgettable moments.
Table Of Contents
Shot One: Kicking Off the Festivities Anderson Cooper’s
anderson cooper, The festivities began with Cohen laying down the rules – a shot of tequila at the top of every hour. The energy was high as the first shot went down smoothly. Cooper, ever the skeptic when it comes to tequila, took it like a champ (for now). “This is the start of something great,” Cohen declared, while Cooper quipped, “We’re officially the people we used to make fun of.”
Shot Two: Giggle Central
By the second shot, things started getting interesting. Cohen downed his tequila like a pro, but Cooper struggled, gagging and giggling uncontrollably. Cohen couldn’t help but poke fun at his best friend’s reaction. As the laughter continued, Ralph Fiennes joined them, reciting the viral “Very Mindful, Very Demure” meme, adding fuel to the comedic fire.
Who Took the Shot: Ralph Fiennes, Michael Ian Black, Amber Ruffn
Who Passed: Roy Wood Jr.
Shot Three: The Tequila Hits
anderson cooper, With Whitney Cummings set to roast 2024, the third shot came two hours before midnight. Cooper, now visibly affected, tried to keep it together but could barely hold in his laughter. Cummings’ roast left him disassociating, staring blankly as Cohen powered through. “It’s only the third shot,” Cooper nervously reminded viewers.
Who Refused: Whitney Cummings
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Mid-Show Reflection: A Personal Moment
In a rare, heartfelt break from the antics, Cooper reflected on his personal connection to New Year’s Eve, sharing the story of his father’s passing in early January 1978. He admitted that working on NYE helps him manage the grief he still feels during the holiday season. This touching moment reminded viewers of the deeper connections that make this annual broadcast special.
Who Toasted: Andy Cohen’s Parents
Champagne Break with 50 Cent
anderson cooper, The celebration shifted to Las Vegas, where 50 Cent joined the broadcast. Cohen raised a glass of champagne, but Cooper barely sipped his, signaling that he might be tapping out. The contrast between Cohen’s party spirit and Cooper’s caution continued to be a running theme.
Who Toasted: 50 Cent
Shot Four: Tequila Regret
anderson cooper, As midnight approached, Cohen pitched one final shot. Cooper hesitated, visibly regretting his earlier decisions. Anthony Anderson and his mom, Mama Doris, joined for a hilarious game, keeping the spirits high. Diplo also made an appearance, accepting multiple shots with a thumbs up, leaving viewers wondering if he was micro-dosing his way through the night.
Who Accepted One Shot: Anthony Anderson, Mama Doris
Who Accepted Multiple Shots: Diplo
The Aftermath
As the night wrapped up and the ball dropped, Cohen and Cooper celebrated another successful (and tequila-fueled) broadcast. Their genuine friendship and willingness to laugh at themselves continue to make CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” an unmissable event for viewers across the country.