Ryan Seacrest reveals most challenging part of hosting New Year’s Eve as he joins Rita Ora at pre-show event
Ryan Seacrest is looking forward to performing his annual hosting duties on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on Tuesday night.
But the 50-year-old multihyphenate has one downside about the upcoming performance, which he will organize together with Rita Ora: he can’t eat until half past two in the morning.
The veteran media personality shared TMZ that after the ball drops in Times Square, it’s usually ready for a meal.
“The most challenging part is that dinner doesn’t start until around 1:30,” he told the outlet after arriving in New York City before the show.
Seacrest noted of the city’s reputation for keeping the party going no matter what time of night it is, “They say a lot of places are open that late… there aren’t as many as you think.”
When the publication suggested Applebee’s as an option, he playfully replied, “Then I’d like a pu pu dish.”
Ryan Seacrest looks forward to performing his annual hosting duties Tuesday night on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
But the 50-year-old multihyphenate has one negative about the upcoming performance, which he will organize together with Rita Ora… he can’t eat until 1:30 am.
Ryan and Rita posed for selfies at a pre-show event on Monday
When asked how he prepares for New Year’s Eve, the show business icon joked: “I’ve been counting back since December 1.”
He continued the story, “Counting backwards, you know, I’m walking backwards on the treadmill. I do everything in my life backwards so I can do it right.”
Speaking about his latest job as Pat Sajak’s replacement on Wheel of Fortune, he said he’s excited to celebrate the show’s 50-year milestone.
“We will let the participants celebrate their milestones,” he said before advising fans to “check your local listings” for broadcast details.
Seacrest was fashionable in a black and white double-breasted peacoat with a stylish fur collar while out and about on Monday.
He added black pants and black boots, while also sporting a neat haircut and shaved face.
For her part, 34-year-old Rita turned heads in a red and black jacket with buffalo check pattern and black faux fur sleeves.
The British star wore a black turtleneck under her outer layer and completed the look with a black leather boot.
Seacrest was fashionable in a black and white double-breasted peacoat with a stylish fur collar
Rita stayed warm in a red and black buffalo check coat with black faux fur sleeves
Ora wore a black turtleneck underneath her outer layer and completed the look with black leather boots
Seacrest has hosted New Year’s Rockin’ Eve since 2005, while Ora hosted for the first time in 2023
The co-stars’ chemistry was on display as they laughed during pre-show interviews
They seemed to be having a blast
Ryan and Rita were smiling brightly during rehearsals
The veteran media personality shared with TMZ that after the ball drops in Times Square, he’s usually ready for a meal
“The most challenging part is that dinner doesn’t start until around 1:30,” he told the outlet after arriving in New York City before the show
At another point in the night, Rita changed clothes. She stunned in a long black leather dress paired with a red fur coat
Her hair was pulled back in a bun
The two were seen preparing for the event
They talked about it before the big night
Rita shared something on her phone as Ryan laughed
She stunned in her all-black ensemble
Both co-hosts have been hyping their respective social media audiences for the upcoming bash
Rita chatted with the crew
At another point in the night, Rita changed clothes. She stunned in a long black leather dress paired with a red fur coat.
Her hair was pulled back in a bun.
Both co-hosts have been hyping their respective social media audiences for the upcoming bash.
On Sunday night, Ryan uploaded a slew of snaps of him and Rita in Times Square with the caption, “It’s good to be back @rockineve!”
And the singer engaged her 16 million followers as she posted selfies and videos on an enthusiastic note.
“The countdown is on – tomorrow night me and @ryanseacrest will be in Times Square to welcome 2025!”
She instructed, “Tune in tomorrow at 8/7c on @ABC to watch @RockinEve and ring in the new year with us!! And watch me perform my medley of ‘Let You Love Me’ and praise you with a surprise at the end!!”
The beauty finished with a series of festive emoji, adding: “#RockinEve.”
Rita waves to the fans
She seemed in good spirits ahead of NYE
Rita was seen heading to rehearsals
She stayed warm in a pair of thick black boots
She accessorized with earrings
She talked to fans
Earlier in the day, she was spotted wearing sweatpants
The beauty was spotted sipping on Diet Coke
Ryan wore a bow tie as he headed to the event
She also used Instagram Stories to repost content from her co-host and the official Rockin’ Eve Instagram post.
Above a photo of her and Seacrest, she wrote, “We’re back like we never left! One more day until show day!!’
And the entertainer also shared a selfie as she blew a kiss to the city, writing, “Good morning, New York,” with a time stamp of 8:38 a.m.
Ora later posted a short video clip saying, “Yes, yes. We walk through Times Square. I’m officially a tourist now!’
The star warned fans: “I’m going to a dance rehearsal so I can give a good performance on Rockin’ Eve and I can’t wait.”
Meanwhile, Ryan teased fans with new photos, noting, “Almost time to shine.” Let’s start the countdown!’