On Air with Ryan Seacrest 2010-01-12
Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol
Ryan was talking about Simon leaving Idol to set up the American version of The X Factor. Ryan said he’s sat in the audience of The X Factor, and been made fun of by Simon during the commercials, and that both shows will go ahead. Ellen tried to find out if Ryan knew in advance. Ryan said Simon was holding it pretty tight, but Ellen pushed, thinking that he might have told Ryan or his buddies. Ryan said he learned officially (so that means he already knew…) yesterday at 11:30, just before Simon went on stage and signed the paperwork in front of the press. Ryan said he’s excited for Simon, and he sounded excited. Ellen wanted to know if Ryan’s the host of The X Factor (I love Ellen! She knows what people want to hear!) and he dodged the question, saying that right now he’s host of American Idol.
Talking later about Simon leaving, Ellen asked if Ryan’s sad and will he miss his buddy, saying the two of them have chemistry. Ryan did a dramatic pause before deferring his answer, coming back to say he’s happy for Simon and he knew it was inevitable and was prepared for it. He knew it was one of Simon’s goals to have a successful show in the US, it was just a matter of timing. Ellen pushed a little, talking about the Ryan-Randy-Simon trio, but Ryan says they’ll still hang out.
Someone said that Ryan had tears in his eyes, which he denied, but said it’s the last time they’ll be doing shows together as the original gang. Ryan said it was business as usual last night at the taping of Hollywood week and there was a feeling of peace in the air.
Simon Cowell
On today’s radio show, Ryan talked to Simon about leaving American Idol after this season to launch The X Factor in the US. Simon said he was very sad about leaving, and told Ryan that negotiations have been going backwards and forwards for months and even as they were heading to the press conference the deal wasn’t signed and the press conference nearly didn’t go ahead. In the end, Simon signed the paperwork in front of the press.
Simon said Ryan would miss him, then wanted to know if Ryan’s first thought on hearing the news was “how can this benefit me”! Simon joked about the rumour that Ryan is going to replace him, in addition to hosting the show, jumping backwards and fowards between the stage and the desk so he can have another job.
Talking about The X Factor, Ryan mentioned Simon’s success overseas and wanted to know how he knew this was the right time to bring it to the US. Simon talked about deciding not to do both shows and knowing when it’s the right time to go, joking about Ryan knowing all about over-exposure on TV. Ryan asked what Simon would miss about being on the American Idol set. Simon said he’ll miss everything because they had fun, but didn’t sound quite so convinced when Ryan said Simon would miss traveling around to film the audition shows!
Ryan quizzed Simon on Paula’s involvement and judges (I think Ryan would be an awesome judge and mentor!), and Ellen K wanted to know if the show has a host, but Simon wasn’t giving anything away on air, sounding quite gleeful that he could annoy Ryan by withholding information.
Heidi Montag
Cathy Dennis wrote tracks for her album, Superficial, which is out today.
Ryan’s dodgy plumbing
Ryan had another plumbing disaster at home. He heard rain while he was trying to sleep, went to the bathroom and discovered water running down the wall and put down towels and went back to sleep! in the morning he called someone he knew would be up and about at 4am — Ellen — and asked if he could call on the way in and shower at her house. Ellen said she worried about having everything he’d need, and had forgotten to put in new soap, but Ryan was prepared as he turned up with his travel kit.
Ryan’s Roses
Another call to a guy who doesn’t think of his girlfriend when offered free red roses. Classic line from Ryan: “Don’t think we’re as dumb as you are”!
Ryan and relationships
Ryan took a call that terrified him … 11 years in a relationship, kids, then everything falls apart … so Ryan was stressing again about the impossibility of having a relationship like his parents’. I’m starting to think he protests too much. Wouldn’t it be hilarious if Ryan’s been secretly married for years and has a ton of kids ;)
