Ryan Seacrest reflected on his legacy on American Idol after being part of the show for more than two decades. Initially, in 2002, he was offered the position to co-host the famous reality series alongside comedian Brian Dunkleman. After accepting the offer and co-hosting for one season, he became the sole host following Dunkleman’s resignation. This hosting gig not only brought Seacrest immense popularity but also led to a surge in viewership during the show’s early years.
What Ryan Seacrest said about his legacy after 24 years on American Idol
In conversation with PEOPLE at the press line of Nashville’s American Idol Season 9, Seacrest spoke about his legacy on the popular reality show, which he has contributed to for over 20 years. He said, “In terms of what I hope people expect from me, or get when I’m on any show, is that they feel comfortable watching it. They enjoy it. It doesn’t seem like it’s too difficult. They can have anybody of any age watch the show. People can get together as a family watch the show.”
He thinks that it’s important that the audience feels comfortable watching him, in a way, as if they have known each other for years, despite not having met. He explains that his approach towards hosting the show is to read the room and to go with the flow, without having to prepare too much for it. “And I think that’s the beauty of it. When we get into our live shows, we have an idea of how it’s going to go, but it never really goes that way. And you follow the ball, and make people feel as comfortable as they can on the stage, and have fun with the judges and that’s the equation,” he added.
Furthermore, he revealed that his “energy” to continue with the show comes from seeing people from different walks of life every year who watch it, many of whom have enthusiastically waited their entire lives for a chance to audition. Apart from the hit show, Seacrest is currently also hosting Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
