Ryan Seacrest Reveals American Idol Judge He Wants to Perform at NYE
During his 20 years as host of American Idol, Ryan Seacrest has collaborated with many of the biggest names in music. Now he's revealed who he wants to perform on NYE.
Ryan Seacrest, who is about to host Dick Clark's New Year's Night of Rock 'n' Roll with Ryan Seacrest for the 18th time, revealed which American Idol judge he'd like to see in a future holiday special. Ryan will join co-hosts Liza Koshy and Jessie James Decker live from Times Square in New York City. Revelers can sing and dance to music by Duran Duran, New Edition, Jax and more. Ciara will host and perform at Disneyland alongside artists such as Fitz and the Tantrums, Maddie & Tae, Shaggy, Ben Platt, Halle Bailey and Lauren Spencer Smith. Additionally, Billy Porter will host from New Orleans, while Roselyn Sanchez will countdown to the New Year from Puerto Rico with a performance by Farruko. D-Nice will host from Los Angeles with performances from Wiz Khalifa, Finneas, Dove Cameron and more.
In an interview with EW, Ryan revealed that he would love to see American Idol judge Lionel Richie on the New Year's Eve stage at some point in the future. For him, "people I really know and hang out with are the shows I love to watch," he said. Ryan Picking Lionel as the perfect headliner, "because he's so good and he's on an idol show, he's going to be likable." He added that he "made him do it in the new year." Let's see." Lionel will join pop star Katy Perry and country music singer Luke Bryan as a judge on the 21st premiere of the sixth season of American Idol.
Ryan Seacrest Gives New Year's Rockin' Eve Performers 'A Lot Of Credit'
The American Idol host also listed some of his favorite performers from past New Year's Night Rock specials, saying, "For me, it's when my friends perform." He mentions the "amazing ’ Taylor Swift and the ‘incredible’ Jennifer Lopez. Ryan worked with J.Lo when he was a judge on American Idol seasons 10-13, 14 and 15. He explained, "I'm always in awe of what they do on that stage. I think it's one of the best fragile shows because you're outside and you're on stage and it's cold or it's raining or it's blowing. Wind, but you still have to perform." Ryan added, "So I give a lot of credit to everyone."
Lionel The idea of having Lionel headlining New Year's Eve rock night got The general acceptance of fans. his show is always Celebrating his many catchy hits, including "All Night Long," "Dancing on the Ceiling," and more. The Times Square crowd will sing and dance together, and hometown audiences will be delighted to ring in the New Year with such a talented performer.
Ryan has proven himself to be a consummate professional in his many hosting gigs over the years. He was there for former American Idol judge Mariah Carey's disastrous 2016 New Year's Rock Night performance, and her redemption performance the following year. The always gracious American Idol host defended Mariah at the time, pointing out the hardships of performing on live television. Ryan is the perfect man to succeed the legendary Dick Clark and he is sure to ring in the new year for many years to come.
American Idol Season 21 premieres Sunday, February 19 at 8 p.m. ABC EST.
More: American Idol: Ryan Seacrest's salary and how much money he makes on the show
