American Idol host Ryan Seacrest took time out of his hectic day in New York to talk about the show, his life, the future and football.

The Daily Beacon: How did you get involved with American Idol?

Seacrest: I had to audition in front of FOX, the executives and the president of the network. Fortunately, the audition went well, and they hired me.

DB: Did you expect the show’s popularity?

Seacrest: It was a surprise. I thought it was a good show. I thought it would be something that if the American audience liked it, then they would be interested in it, but not on the scale that they actually did. As the weeks went by, we saw the ratings getting better and better. As we got into mid-season, the audience formed a relationship with the contestants. They became a judge, and they wanted to see their favorite win for bragging rights.

DB: Did you have a favorite idol?

Seacrest: I actually thought that the final show would be between Tamyra and Kelly.

DB: Were their any interesting moments that weren’t aired?

Seacrest: Although you saw at home the performances, you didn’t see the preparation. I don’t know that the audience got the sense of pressure that these guys were under and how they overcame that pressure each week on live television.

DB: What kind of preparation did you do each week?

Seacrest: We had to look at the amount of time we had for each song and for the interviews with the contestants. My job essentially was to be the traffic cop. I have to keep the show moving by keeping up with the time and not letting the judges comment too long.

DB: At the auditions, do you have a sense of who will make it to the next level?

Seacrest: I’ve seen that there are a lot of good singers, there are bad ones, and then there are some that aren’t great. The ones that we’re looking for sing well and have a unique style – a unique connection. We’re looking for the total package, which is hard to find.

DB: What changes are being made for next season?

Seacrest: There is going to be all new contestants. There will also be a new judge, Angie Martinez. She’s from Brooklyn and has a very candid point of view. Also, Brian Dunkleman won’t be back. I will be hosting it alone this year.

DB: Do you think the judges should have a say in declaring the final winner?

Seacrest: The judges are there in the initial stages of the game to whittle it down to the best. The reason they still give critiques even when the public is voting is that they’re there to coach. I think the show is all about having the public decide who the winner is going to be. The viewer interaction and control is what really makes the show.

DB: What did you think about Simon’s comments toward you?

Seacrest: At first, they bothered me, and then, I started laughing with him about them. I feel that the best way to handle things like that is to embrace them.

DB: How has American Idol affected your life?

Seacrest: I get free performances on the street. People will just walk up and start singing.

DB: Do you plan to continue your radio show?

Seacrest: I plan to do both. I’ve always had a passion for radio. I enjoy being able to play popular artists and to interview them.

DB: What do you think about your alma mater’s, the University of Georgia, football season?

Seacrest: I love the fact that they have a really great team this year. Football is such an event in the South that I miss the tailgating, the face painting and the name calling. I need to root for my Georgia Bulldogs.

DB: What would be your advice for someone seeking to be in the entertainment industry?

Seacrest: If you realize that is your passion, you should not be frustrated if initially you are turned down. I think it is a hard business to get into, but in the end, hopefully you will have made the right connections. I certainly don’t take it for granted. Sometimes I work more than 12 hours a day, because I can’t believe that I get to do it each and every day.