Fans of Ryan Seacrest expressed concern for the TV/radio star after he seems to have suffered from a stroke while hosting American Idol finale from his Los Angeles home on Sunday. Seacrest's rep, however, assured fans that they don't have to be worried as the veteran host did not have any neurological episode.
On Sunday, some fans noticed that Seacrest could have had a medical emergency after his words slightly slurred and his right eye appeared larger than his left. This moment caused concern to many fans. The speculation that Ryan had a stroke gained more attention when he missed an episode of his show, Live with Kelly and Ryan, the following day.
Seacrest's representative eased fans' concerns, assuring that Ryan did not have a stroke. In a statement, the rep said Seacrest has been adjusting to the new normal like many other people and has been feeling the stress of working at home.
Apparently, the veteran host is juggling four shows for the last few weeks. He has American Idol, Live with Kelly and Ryan, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, and the Disney Family Singalong specials.
His rep said the host needed some rest which he took that is why fans haven't seen him in Live with Kelly and Ryan. But Seacrest is expected back on the show this week.
Seacrest has been hosting AI since its first season in 2002 on Fox. He started his daily morning radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest, two years later, and has been co-hosting Live with Kelly and Ryan with Kelly Ripa since 2017.
The host earlier opened up about the challenges of broadcasting a show remotely from home. He told People Magazine that there are so many factors that they have to consider in doing a part-live, part-taped broadcast.
For one, they have to deal with awkward pauses. But at the same time, they have to be cautious not to step on each other while talking because of the slight delay in transmission.
On Sunday, Seacrest announced the winner of American Idol Season 19 in a less extravagant fashion as the finalists as well as judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry were all broadcasting live from their respective homes. AI crowned 20-year-old Samantha "Just Sam" Diaz from Harlem remotely as the winner for the singing reality show's third season on ABC.
American Idol ended the night with a rendition of Lionel Richie's "We Are the World." The final performance for the night featured the judges and this season's contestants while showing images of the socially distancing United States of America.
