Ryan Seacrest returns to host New Years Rockin Eve on ABC this year. The American Idol host, known for his professionalism, rarely missing a step when he’s helming a show Whether it’s the morning talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan, his daily radio show for iHeartMedia or 21 seasons on American Idol, Ryan is always on his A game.
Because Ryan is such a champ, it’s unsurprising that he’s a big fan of staying sober while on the job. Not every host ascribes to that brand of work ethic however. Last New Years Eve on CNN, the drunken shenanigans of co-hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen raised a few eyebrows.
“I don’t advocate drinking when one is on the air”
“I don’t advocate drinking when one is on the air. I don’t know how that started as a tradition, but it’s probably a good idea [to scale back] CNN,” Ryan told Entertainment Weekly in an interview where he shared details of the upcoming show. He continued, attempting to be diplomatic, “There’s some pretty respectable people or at least one, right? I think there’s a serious journalist and then a friend of mine who has a lot of fun, but it’s probably a good idea. Although the viewers probably wish they would drink more.”
“But I think they had something to say about my show at one point, which was I’m sure from the alcohol because, I don’t think they would say what they said about our performers if they weren’t drinking,” Ryan added, “But, you know, I think our show’s a bigger, broader show and we will not drink until 1:05 in the morning. Although, I might send them some Casa Dragones Tequila just to tempt them while they’re on the air.”
“If you look behind me, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest’s group of losers performing”
Andy, in particular, made headlines after ending the broadcast with a rant extending a hale and hearty good riddance to the outgoing New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio. He also trashed New Year’s Rockin Eve saying “”If you look behind me, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest’s group of losers performing. I’m sorry but if you’re watching ABC, you’re watching nothing.” CNN journalist Don Lemon got pretty drunk as well.
CNN’s new bosses have stepped in, but not by much. CNN journalists like Don Lemon are no longer allowed to imbibe. But Cohen and Anderson are still allowed to toss it back. Face it, people tune in to that New Year’s Eve show in particular for all the drunken outrageous antics.
Luke Bryan likes to toss a few before taking the stage
In other news, Ryan reveals that American Idol judge Luke Bryan will drink a few before taking the stage, but feels it doesn’t impact his performance. Also, Ryan wouldn’t name the person, but a headliner nearly pulled out 15 minutes before midnight because they did not want to perform choreography in the rain. “Fortunately, we talked her into it, but it was a pretty big panic,” said Ryan. Hm….
New Year’s Rockin Eve 2023 starts at 8 p.m ET/PT on ABC and will feature Liz Koshy as Ryan’s co-host in Times Square and Jesse James Decker as Powerball co–host. Ciara will oversee the performances at Disneyland in Anaheim. Billy Porter will host the Central Standard Time party in New Orleans. In Los Angeles, DJ Nice were serve as DJ. And a Spanish language countdown will take place in Puerto Rico with a performance by Farruko.
