'American Idol' host hoping to make fame last

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Is Simon Cowell really that rude?

Ryan Seacrest, the host of Fox's No. 1 show "American Idol," calls Simon Cowell both rude and crude. Gannett News Service

"Simon is evil as he can be," said Seacrest, the host of Fox's No. 1 show. "And he enjoys being evil. What's worse, he can be even more evil."

"American Idol" is heading to Honolulu next week with Seacrest, judges, producers and crew in tow to put an island spin on the nation-wide contestant search. And Seacrest is ready to tell all.

What's the word, then? Yes, "Idol's" most critical, in-your-face, "simply-awful, worst-performance ever" judge is exactly that: rude AND crude.

Which is one reason the show remains a stunning hit heading into its third season.

Seacrest, 28, said the viewing public has an unrelenting thirst for information about Cowell, the judge everybody loves to hate. Because of his vitriol. Because of, well, his honesty.

"Face it, the viewers have invested so much time and energy in watching, they figure when they see you, they have to ask questions," said Seacrest. About all judges. About the votes. About the winners.

"American Idol" begins its third season in January. The Honolulu audition will be Sept. 29 (lineups) and Sept. 30 (lineups and tryouts) at Aloha Stadium. Contestants face producers on Oct. 1 and 2, and judges on Oct. 4 and 5, at the Sheraton Waikiki's Hanohano Room.

Seacrest — the No. 1-rated afternoon drive deejay on Star 98.7 in Los Angeles when he's not hosting "Idol" — is astonished at the number of people who stop him, "sometimes in strange places," and quiz him about the show and the buzz surrounding it.

"People I don't know sing to me at airports and restaurants, even when I'm having my morning coffee," he said. "But I don't mind. Part of the job."

Seacrest said he has been a radio figure for 10 years, so he once enjoyed a degree of anonymity. But TV gigs — particularly "Idol" — have put a face to the name and voice. "American Idol" averaged more than 21 million viewers per episode during its second season this year and has attracted devoted followers in the coveted 18-to-49-year-old demographic.

Last May, a record 38 million tuned in to the final episode, when Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken to become the second "American Idol."

The host and the judges have become celebrities in their own right.

"The biggest downside to doing this show — coming off two hit seasons — is living up to the expectation," said Seacrest. "The show has set rating records for the network, so I've been lucky to find a job like this; it's been a gold mine."

The looming task for Seacrest is to parlay this into a lasting career. His model and idol is Dick Clark, the seemingly ageless host of "American Bandstand" and New Year's Eve countdowns, who has turned TV and radio gigs into a long, lucrative career. Seacrest hopes his viability will outlast the run of "Idol."

"This all has been a terrific career boost, a journey I hope will help me with a business spin, long after 'Idol' is over," said Seacrest. "Like Dick Clark's career."

"There's no script. There's no way knowing what will happen — and we always hope for the best," he said. "You have to be ready for anything. There's always a surprise element."

Seacrest's handsome profile and wholesome demeanor have been part of the attraction for viewers. People magazine has named him one of the "50 Beautiful People" and also one of the "Young Guns Under 30 Who Hold Hollywood's Future in Their Hands."

"It may seem like two years to you, but it feels like a lifetime for me," Seacrest said. "Most people work a long time at being a success. It's not an overnight thing."

Seacrest's tidal wave has included a new syndicated talk show in pre-production phase, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," set to premiere Jan. 12. He describes it as "a little talk ... but also infotainment-variety."

So, why are we all so taken by "Idol" twice a week, week after week?

Seacrest said it's no simple task to dissect the show's impact. "The underlying appeal is hard to pinpoint," he said. "There is a combination of different things at work, things that rarely come together at the right time. The show allows anyone to come out and be a superstar; anyone who can sing will try to get on that hard but quick road to fame.

"Those who don't actually participate on the show do so from home, so the viewers are very possessive. The really aggressive fan becomes invested in his favorite contestant, and there's that other combination and (the) dynamics of personalities: me, the three judges. The components have clicked on this show."

How would he describe — in a word — each judge?

Cowell: "Pompous."

Randy Jackson: "Hungry."

Paula Abdul: "Sweet. No, that's bland. Diplomatic."

For the most part, Seacrest said he agrees with judges' decisions.

"I would definitely say that I agree more often than disagree; it's their delivery that I might disagree with. Simon speaks the truth; he doesn't dress it up; I'm more of a think-positive guy, and Simon is the antithesis of that theory."

And did Seacrest favor Studdard or Aiken?

"America thought Ruben should win, and he did," Seacrest said. "The great thing about season two was that two stars were born. Clay certainly didn't 'lose.' "

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.

So you want to be an 'Idol'?

• Who's eligible: U.S. residents, ages 16 to 24 (as of Aug. 3); ineligible if you have talent representation (agent or manager), a recording contract, a merchandising agreement or any other previous contractual arrangement.
• What to bring: Two forms of ID that show proof of age and a photograph (birth certificate, passport, school ID card); if under 18, parent or guardian must be present.
• Attire: Do not wear clothing that reveals tattoos, or clothing bearing designer, sports or other brand-name logos, or names or likenesses of celebrities living or dead.
• Forms required: Print out and sign the release form at idolonfox.com; forms also will be available at audition site.
• Audition song: Be prepared to sing a cappella (without music); those called back may be asked to sing two tunes a cappella, with one tune selected from a list that will be provided by producers.
• Rules: There is no guarantee that you will be seen for an audition. Because of anticipated crowds, do not bring more than two people with you to the auditions. Those who cut in line will be disqualified. Holding places in line for others for an extended period of time is not allowed.
• Wristbands: Identifying wristbands, or some other form of ID, will be issued to those chosen by producers to continue the audition process. These cannot be transferred to another person; misuse will result in disqualification.
• Paperwork: Contractual forms will be required; they will be available on site or at the Web site, www.idolonfox.com.
• Do not bring: Weapons, alcohol or nonprescription controlled substances. Also, no campfires overnight allowed.