Ryan Seacrest is nicely conscious of the large footwear he has to fill, taking on “Wheel of Fortune” from Pat Sajak.
“He has made such an influence on this entire nation. He’s turn out to be a companion, a finest good friend to lots of people,” Seacrest advised Fox Information Digital on the “American Idol” High 10 Tastemaker Occasion on the Aster resort in Hollywood.
“I’ve a lot respect and admiration for what he’s been capable of do. He’s a complete professional. Nobody’s smoother and seamless than Pat.”
Seacrest made it clear that whereas he’s seeking to put his personal spin on the basic present, there may be one factor he gained’t try. “Nobody can substitute him. I simply wish to are available and proceed to have enjoyable with these contestants.”
Sajak introduced his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune” final yr after 43 years and 41 seasons with the present.
“Nicely, the time has come,” Sajak wrote in June 2023. “I’ve determined that our forty first season, which begins in September, might be my final. It’s been an exquisite experience, and I’ll have extra to say within the coming months. Many due to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll hold the clickbait websites busy!).”
Later that very same month, Seacrest was introduced as Sajak’s substitute.
“I’m actually humbled to be moving into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest mentioned in an announcement on the time obtained by Fox Information Digital. “I can say, together with the remainder of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure pleasure to observe Pat and Vanna on our tv screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile each evening and really feel proper at house with them.”
“Pat, I like the best way you’ve all the time celebrated the contestants and made viewers at house really feel comfortable. I stay up for studying all the things I can from you throughout this transition.”
Based on Deadline, Sajak taped his closing episode earlier this month, with an air date for Friday, June 7, to coincide with the season 41 finale.
Followers received their first have a look at Seacrest on the set this month when a 10-second clip aired, displaying him strolling close to the place the contestants stand, wanting round in awe and saying, “Wow!”
His identify then seems on the board, with Vanna White telling him, “Appears such as you’re prepared, Ryan!”
The advert concludes with an announcer stating, “Ryan Seacrest joins Vanna White this fall on ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ New host, identical place.”
White lately appeared on an episode of “American Idol,” which was teased on Seacrest’s Instagram as “The TV crossover you didn’t know you wanted.”
He additionally referred to her as “legendary,” including “catch a glimpse of wheely thrilling issues to return!”
Through the episode, which aired earlier this month, White and Seacrest launched a finalist collectively. In a behind-the-scenes clip shared by White on her Instagram, Decide Luke Bryan joked about her working with Seacrest, saying, “Are you able to tolerate him?”
Fellow decide Lionel Richie famous he and White began out in leisure collectively.
“I can vouch for each of you. You’re going to have a lot enjoyable,” Richie mentioned.
Seacrest has been internet hosting “American Idol” because it started in 2002 and has added quite a few internet hosting gigs to his resume over time, together with a stint on “Stay with Kelly and Ryan,” internet hosting “E! Information,” and taking on “Dick Clark’s New 12 months’s Rockin’ Eve.” However he’s excited to do one thing slightly completely different.
“It’s about having enjoyable on stage. The distinction with ‘Wheel’ and ‘Idol’ is we’re making a gift of money and prizes,” he defined to Fox Information Digital. “Right here, we’re making a gift of a future in music. There, it’s money and prizes. I can’t wait!”
“American Idol” isn’t dropping Seacrest for the time being, however decide Katy Perry is shifting on from the present on the finish of the season.
“She simply introduced an incredible generosity and love and large coronary heart, that sort of spirit to the present. To whoever is available in, we hope they’ll have that very same sort of influence,” Seacrest mentioned.
The 49-year-old mentioned he didn’t know who was changing Perry.
“There are a number of folks on the high of that quick checklist that might be nice,” he mentioned. “We must always make that call quickly although, I hope.”
With “Idol” getting into the ultimate episodes of the season and the highest 10 contestants chosen, Seacrest admitted it’s getting more durable to see the sphere of musical hopefuls slim.
“It’s onerous for me to say that as a result of I’ve gotta stand subsequent to them each single week, proper? I can’t decide favorites but,” he mentioned when requested if he noticed a frontrunner.
“However I’ll say this. It was onerous for me to say goodbye to 2. The 2 that have been eradicated tonight have been nice. It’s onerous to see how and why that occurred, but it surely has to and right here we go.”