RYAN SEACREST

The American Idol and Live With Kelly and Ryan host, 46, returns to Times Square for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest (Dec. 31 on ABC), celebrating the 50th anniversary of Clark’s TV special. The festivities will ring in 2022 with more than five hours of celebrities, music and the first-ever Spanishlanguage countdown from Puerto Rico.

Why has New Year’s Rockin’ Eve stood the test of time? Dick Clark set the tone for a nationwide—now global—celebration by televising what happens in Times Square and creating a party and a big concert environment for people who are going to be home. So they can ring in the New Year, celebrate and feel like they’re a part of something.

What will the party look like this year? Ciara and Billy Porter will be joining as co-hosts. Last year, as you’re aware, there was nobody in Times Square, just a few people. This year, we’re hoping it’ll be a little more back to normal.

What’s the secret to American Idol, returning in 2022 for its 20th anniversary, lasting for two decades? Looking back at some of the first seasons, the show looked and felt really different than it does now. Sure, the concept—the foundation—is the same. But look at the evolution of the artists who are auditioning now, and at the style of the show, and it’s a real study of how one show can continue to evolve.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I try to add a new layer to life every new year. This year my passion has migrated into the world of farming. I have personally planted two different olive groves in California. I’m studying how to cultivate those to create my own organic olive oil one day.