Ryan Seacrest admits to feeling ‘pressure’ about replacing Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune as he wants fans to ‘love’ him
RYAN Seacrest says he’s starting to feel the pressure of hosting Wheel of Fortune.
The American Idol host is preparing to take over hosting duties as he was joined by Vanna White on the competition show.
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Ryan Seacrest told People that he feels pressure taking over as host on Wheel of FortuneCredit: Getty
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Long-time host Pat Sajak will retire this June after more than 40 years on the game showCredit: Getty
“The TV crossover you didn’t know you needed,” he captioned the Instagram post.
“Look out for the legendary @officialvannawhite on #americanidol tonight and catch a glimpse of wheely exciting things to come!”
Ryan, 49, wore a black and white Hawaiian shirt that was unbuttoned halfway down his chest and black pants.
The Wheel of Fortune legend, Vanna, 67, donned a black sleeveless dress with red and yellow flowers on it.
The pair stood on the Idol stage before the second-half of the top 20 performed.
Ryan and Vanna also posed with judge, Lionel Richie, in a behind the scenes photo.
Vanna also made a cameo on the show on Monday and stood next to Ryan as he introduced one of the contestants.
BIG SHOES TO FILL
Having Vanna on Idol made Ryan realize what big shoes he has to fill when he takes over for Pat Sajak in June.
The legendary host is retiring this year after 40 years hosting the game show.
So much so that he opened up to People in an exclusive interview about the pressure.
Ryan Seacrest claps back at American Idol fan who slammed host’s new sideburns and bold mustache as ‘creepy’ in Hawaii
At the Hulu on Disney+ celebration on April 5, Ryan talked about his new role.
“Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible,” he said.
“He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.”
“So do I feel pressure? Sure,” Ryan continued.
“People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well.”
Ryan went on to say that he has watched Wheel his whole life, unknowingly preparing for his big moment.
“I think that this is a show that means so much to a lot of people. It’s a part of their lives, they like to get together at the end of the day and try and solve the puzzles,” he went on.
Ryan ended by saying that he loves that he gets to give away money to contestants and work with Vanna, who has co-hosted with Pat since 1982.
GIVE ‘EM LIP
Ryan will be busy later this year when he has to host Idol and Wheel at the same time.
The 22nd season is currently airing pre-taped episodes, but will start with live episodes later this month.
[Pat] has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.
Ryan Seacrest
However, Ryan shared a behind the scenes video of his look for this past week’s show on Instagram and fans heckled him for it.
He donned a ’70s-style ensemble and added retro facial hair including sideburns and a handle-bar mustache.
Ryan told his followers that he was his crime-fighting alter ego, Captain Dunwoody of Aulani Five-O, a take on the 1970s hit show Hawaii Five-O.
The host wore a brown suit with a green patterened shirt underneath.
“New season. New look. Don’t miss Captain Dunwoody on Aulani Five-0 tonight. Tune in to #AmericanIdol at 8/7c on @abcnetwork, that’s an order!” Ryan captioned the post.
In the comments, fans laughed about the host’s fake facial hair.
“I love your new look Ryan,” one wrote.
“Loving the chops lol,” added a second.
“Not a good look Ryan. Please don’t keep it,” said another.
“Definitely not your look,” wrote a follower.
One fan said he looked creepy with the facial hair and Ryan clapped back at them.
“So you’re saying I shouldn’t keep it,” he said.
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Ryan was joined by Wheel of Fortune co-host, Vanna White, on the most recent episode of American IdolCredit: ABC/American Idol
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The American Idol host said that Pat is remarkable and has done a seamless job on Wheel that no one can be himCredit: Getty
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Ryan went on to say that he feels pressure, and he wants fans to continue to watch Wheel and to love it like they currently doCredit: Instagram/wheeloffortune
