‘American Idol’: Ryan Seacrest Reveals His Favorite Moments Ever
For 17 years Ryan Seacrest has been the host of American Idol. He started hosting the hit singing competition in 2002, and even after the show was canceled and rebooted, he still kept the coveted position. Some might argue the show wouldn’t be the same without him. Over the years he has seen it all from the very best to the absolute worst singers vying for a spot on the show.
He has also rubbed elbows with some of the most well-known celebrity judges in the business. He recently counted down his most memorable moments of all time, and we agree that number one is pretty great.
5. Singing ‘Hello’ to Lionel Richie
When American Idol got a reboot and returned for season 16, Lionel Richie signed on as one of the new hosts. In one episode Seacrest got to sing one of Richie’s songs, Hello. This might be enough to make even a seasoned celebrity freak out, but Seacrest kept calm and sang. And, despite him saying “I’m not a good singer,” we disagree.
Judging by the look on Richie’s face, we think he might disagree with Seacrest too. At least it sounds like he can hit the high notes just fine.
4. Singing with Richard Marx
At number four, Seacrest reveals singing with Richard Marx was also a favorite moment. In the video, he says: “Again me singing, which I’m sorry America. Richard Marx, who I idolized as a kid.” He got to sing Right There Waiting for You on the finale. He also joked that he did not get asked to sing again after that.
Still getting to sing with two legends on stage is really incredible. Even if he is never asked to sing again, he will have plenty to brag about for the rest of his life.
3. Getting thrown off stage
Not many people would add getting thrown off stage as a favorite moment in their career. On the other hand, getting thrown off stage by Hulk Hogan is a big deal. Hogan is best known for his wrestling career, and throwing people around isn’t exactly new for him, but to do it to Seacrest on the Idol stage was probably a highlight for him as well. While we’re guessing it was just a publicity stunt, he still got to wrestle with one of the greats.
2. Getting stuck in an elevator
Here is another moment that few people would call a favorite, but if you’re going to be stuck in an elevator Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard might make some interesting company. At the very least you won’t get stuck with boring elevator music.
As Seacrest explains: “About four minutes before the live show, I was upstairs in the studio with Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, and we jumped in the elevator, and the elevator got stuck with seconds before we went on the air. The doors open with 30-seconds before going to air.” Wow, that’s cutting it close.
1. Announcing the first winner of ‘American Idol’
We saved the best for last. For a man that basically made his career and became a household name with American Idol, we can understand why this is number one. Seacrest reveals his favorite moment ever is when he got to announce the very first winner.
“At number one, the most memorable will always be standing there, on that stage where the Oscars are held every year, and announcing the first ever winner of American Idol.” It was between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, and when he looked at the card, it said, Kelly Clarkson.
Now, nearly two decades later, Clarkson has become one of the most recognizable artists in the world. She has sold countless records, won a couple of Grammy awards, written children’s books, and sat as a coach on The Voice. So, yeah we can see how this is his number one favorite moment.
