Ryan Seacrest reveals iconic memory of Dick Clark, New Year's 'Rockin' Eve' TV essentials

In USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives, whether it's at home, on the set or on the road.

NEW YORK — Ryan Seacrest is known for, amongst many things, helping tens of million Americans ring in the new year. But Seacrest isn't going for "one big" New Year's resolution.

"Just dabble in things that you can actually do," the TV host, 50, says. "Take three or four things you've never done before. Do them once and see if you like them. You don't have to go deep, just try."

In a little over 24 hours, Seacrest will welcome in 2025 as the host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" (ABC, Tuesday 8 p.m. EST/PST). The program's title still pays homage to creator Dick Clark, who died in 2012, though Seacrest has taken on hosting duties for the show alongside a cast of co-hosts since. This year, Rita Ora returns to help emcee for a second consecutive time, and performers on the broadcast in New York include the Jonas Brothers and Carrie Underwood.

"The one thing that I say to all of them is, 'Have fun,'" he reveals of any advice he gives to his colleagues. "'You're here because of who you are. Enjoy it, embrace it. This is a celebration.'"

But besides the confetti, a countdown and "Auld Lang Syne," what else is essential to Seacrest seamlessly ringing in a new year? Chatting with USA TODAY inside his greenroom at ABC's "Good Morning America" in Times Square, the media mogul dishes on travel, attire and whether we may see him join any other TV hosts on Tuesday night for a celebratory toast (or shot).

Ryan Seacrest's birthday plans (and weather forecast) precede New Year's broadcast

Seacrest no longer has a permanent home in New York (he co-hosted "Live!" alongside Kelly Ripa from 2017-2023), so typically he'll arrive in Manhattan no later three days before the ball drop. He spends the holidays, along with his Dec. 24 birthday, at home with family. And at least from a weather and attire standpoint, that's where his planning for Times Square begins.

"I can see (my mom) in her robe on Dec. 22 and she's like, 'What's it going to be out there, Ryan?'" he recalls of a now annual tradition. "I'm like, 'Mom I think it's too early.' She knows how to work her weather app."

While the weather makes it on to Seacrest's radar over a week in advance, he won't start paying attention to forecasts until three days out. His attire for the occasion is rather consistent and straightforward regardless of the elements.

"I have a tuxedo on," he says of his "base" layer. "It depends on the temperature; I may not have the jacket on. I may have several coats and layers on up top. I have water nearby because we're on our feet for many hours and we're talking for quite a bit. If it's really cold, I have those warmers in my shoes and in my gloves."

Not the battery-powered warmers either, the good ole' fashioned "ones that break."

Ryan Seacrest on Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper

As for keeping warm with any other utilities or beverages, it doesn't look like he'll join neighbors Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper for a shot of alcohol in Times Square (Cohen and Cooper host the infamously-boozy New Year's broadcast on CNN from a nearby riser).

"I don't know how to get to them," Seacrest explains. "Our stage is sort of in front of theirs and they're on a platform above. I have no idea how to even get access to their stage."

Ryan Seacrest confirms an infamous NYE myth

Have you heard of revelers in Times Square wearing diapers so that they don't have to leave their coveted spot under the ball drop for hours? While he's never asked anyone on live TV, Seacrest confirms that some guests have confided in him regarding their choice of undergarments.

"(The revelers) are very well-studied about coming into Times Square," he says. "I think they've looked up online how they can move around or not move around. So they're very well-prepared. What's remarkable is that they're out there from the morning until the big event."

Seacrest spends a good amount of time in their midst. On New Year's Eve, he and the production team will do a full run-through of the show around 12:30 p.m. This includes a preview of on-screen graphics, pretaped elements and new this year, live tosses to the west coast. After the rehearsal is complete, the team breaks for lunch.

Then there are tests to confirm that lines of communication are working properly leading right up to the start of the broadcast. The lines of communication include a pair of in-ear monitors, which Seacrest wears throughout the evening so that he can hear both the broadcast audio and any other directions in each ear.

Ryan Seacrest remembers his predecessor, Dick Clark

From Casey Casem ("American Top 40") and Rick Dees (KIIS-FM Los Angeles morning show) to Pat Sajak ("Wheel of Fortune") and the aforementioned Clark, Seacrest has followed up a number of tough acts throughout his career.

"For me, it's being a fan of the institutions that all of those guys have been a part of (and) respecting their skills and talent," Seacrest remarks. "The magic that they created, the relationship that all of them have created with an audience over time on TV and/or on the radio. It's a tremendous amount of respect and trying to understand how to continue these institutions in a way that audiences who have been loyal to them forever will still come back and want to see them again or hear them again."

Seacrest looks back on his time with Clark fondly, recalling their first show together.

"I would be outside, he'd be in the studio, and then about 12:20 a.m., I would come inside next to him and take over from there," he says. "And he would say, 'It wasn't cold enough for you. I want it to be windier next year for you. You haven't earned this yet young man.' He would joke around about things like that."

As if the memories aren't enough, Seacrest also received a few mementos.

"(Clark) would write me a letter each year, a handwritten letter, sort of thanking me for being here and what it meant to him," Seacrest says. "And those are special."

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryan Seacrest on New Year's Eve, fond Dick Clark memory