Ryan Seacrest

When American Idol premiered in 2002, it became a TV phenomenon. The live singing competition was the highest-rated show on U.S. broadcast TV for several seasons. It introduced the concept of viewers voting from home, propelled aspiring performers to national fame and, last but not least, launched the career of Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host. American Idol ended its run on FOX in 2016, but a new version will premiere next year on ABC. Seacrest will be back as host while he maintains his numerous other responsibilities as a radio and television personality and producer of several shows, including Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

WS: What made American Idol so special? What made viewers connect to it emotionally?
SEACREST: In a nutshell, American Idol is about making dreams come true, so it’s relatable to literally everyone. Who doesn’t want to be the next pop or rock star? Idol reminds everyone that this dream could be possible.

WS: What did American Idol mean to you professionally and personally?
SEACREST: I’ll be eternally grateful for all that the American Idol franchise has given to me professionally and personally over the years. Professionally, it has opened many doors. I’ve been able to work with the most amazingly talented people in the live TV business from whom I’ve learned a tremendous amount, and I also, fortunately, consider many of these folks my friends. The franchise enriched my life in countless ways, and I’m excited to join the show in its first season on ABC next year.

WS: Over the years, what did you learn about the most essential elements required for hosting a show like American Idol?
SEACREST: Live television is tricky—you never quite know what is going to happen, even if you rehearse and plan. So, it’s important to be flexible and quick on your feet, and to have a good sense of humor about spontaneous moments—some of which are really cool, and others I’d rather forget. The unknown is a big part of the excitement of live television.

WS: From the contestants, what did you learn about human nature—determination, ambition and competitiveness?
SEACREST: I really enjoy my interactions with the contestants. To see them learn and grow as artists along the way is a fun process to witness. The show is good-natured, even though it’s competitive, of course. Many of the kids become great friends and cheer each other on and support each other emotionally during the many ups and downs of the competition. If I learned anything, I guess I would say that Idol reminds me, and I believe the audience, that the human spirit is generous—people truly care about each other and celebrate another person’s successes and victories with verve. People really love seeing dreams come true, even if they’re not their own, which is heartening.

WS: What made you decide to join the new version of American Idol that will be airing on ABC?
SEACREST: Idol is just part of the fabric of my soul. I couldn’t imagine not doing it.

WS: The television and media landscapes today are very different from what they were in 2002, when American Idol premiered. In how many ways beyond the live linear broadcast can a talent-competition show connect with the audience?
SEACREST: Idol was the first show to introduce audience engagement through texting. Since then, there have been more advents than I can count or describe—so we’ll see what happens.

WS: Describe the excitement and energy involved in a live broadcast.
SEACREST: Live television is really one of the last great natural adrenaline rushes I know in entertainment—it’s unpredictable and spontaneous. And that’s why audiences love it. I love it!

WS: Between the complex and pressing issues facing the world today, the divisiveness in politics and the bad news we are bombarded with each day, do you feel there is a growing need for escapist fare on television?
SEACREST: It’s an interesting time in our culture. Clearly, there’s keen interest in following daily news, whether that’s on television or through social media on your mobile phone. People also want to be entertained more than ever, and that’s evident in the fact that there is more entertaining content than there has ever been before. Whether you want to watch shows on TV, tablets, mobile phones—there’s something for everyone, that’s for sure. I can’t keep up with all the shows I want to watch.

WS: What upcoming projects do you have at your production company?
SEACREST: We are celebrating the tenth year of Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! as well as working on the E! Live from the Red Carpet shows and Best.Cover.Ever. on YouTube. Our scripted team has been producing the third season of Shades of Blue and the new dramedy Insatiable for Netflix.

Photo credit: Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution.