Ryan Seacrest, who's about to host Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest for the 18th time, revealed which American Idol judge he would like to see headline the holiday special in the future. Ryan will broadcast live from Times Square in New York City, along with co-hosts Liza Koshy and Jessie James Decker. Revelers can expect to sing and dance along to music from performers Duran Duran, New Edition, Jax and more. Ciara will host and perform from Disneyland, along with Fitz and the Tantrums, Maddie & Tae, Shaggy, Ben Platt, Halle Bailey and Lauren Spencer Smith, among other artists. In addition, Billy Porter will host from New Orleans, while Roselyn Sanchez will count down to the new year from Puerto Rico with a performance from 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 take the stage on New Year's Rockin' Eve sometime in the future. He said that for him, "it's the people that I actually know and hang out with that I love to see perform." Ryan chose Lionel as the perfect headliner "because he's incredible and he's on Idol and he would be such a crowd pleaser." He added that he "pitched him for a New Year to do it, so we'll see." Lionel will join pop star Katy Perry and country music singer Luke Bryan for their sixth season together as judges when American Idol season 21 premieres in February.
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 Rockin' Eve specials, saying, "For me, it's when my friends perform." He mentioned the "amazing" Taylor Swift and "incredible" Jennifer Lopez. Ryan previously worked with J.Lo when she was a judge during American Idol seasons 10-13, 14 and 15. He explained, "I'm always blown away at how great they are on that stage. I think it's one of the most vulnerable performances because you're outside, you're on the stage, the elements are cold or rainy or windy, and you still have to perform." Ryan added, "So I give everybody a lot of credit for doing it."
Ryan's idea to have Lionel headline New Year's Rockin' Eve would be universally embraced by fans. His performances are always a celebration of his many catchy hits, including "All Night Long," "Dancing on the Ceiling," and so many more. The Times Square crowd would sing and dance along, and the home audience would be delighted to ring in the new year with such a talented performer.
Ryan has proven himself to be a consummate professional during his many hosting gigs throughout the years. He was there for former American Idol judge Mariah Carey's disastrous 2016 New Year's Rockin' Eve appearance, along with 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 was the perfect person to take over for 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. EST on ABC.
Sources: EW, Ryan Seacrest/Instagram