For millions, welcoming the New Year in New York's Times Square is a bucket-list experience, but the reality for those securing a prime spot involves a startling and unglamorous sacrifice. Ryan Seacrest, the veteran host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, has expressed his dismay after revealing the extreme lengths some attendees go to, including wearing adult nappies to avoid losing their place.
The Unpleasant Reality Behind the Celebration
In a recent discussion with People magazine, Seacrest, 51, and his co-host for this year's broadcast, singer Rita Ora, explained the less-than-savoury side of the iconic celebration. With crowds lining up for hours in freezing temperatures, the basic need to use a toilet presents a major logistical problem. The solution for some? To forego bathroom breaks entirely by using protective underwear.
"They do things you don't want to see them do because they're there for that long," Seacrest told the publication, clearly unamused by the practice. He was quick to add, "I'm happy I've not seen them do those things." Ora then interjected, confirming she had "heard the diaper stories," to which Seacrest replied, "That's what I'm talking about. I've not seen it, I just know it's happening."
A Bittersweet Milestone for a Beloved Host
This year's broadcast, set for 31 December, holds particular significance for Seacrest. It will mark his 21st year hosting America's number one New Year's Eve celebration, which first aired in 1972. However, the milestone comes after what he described as a "tough year," following the death of his father, Gary Seacrest, in October after a battle with prostate cancer.
In an interview with Variety, Seacrest framed his hosting role as a mission to provide respite. "This was a tough year. I lost my best friend," he said. "People want to feel good. You can watch this show and you can feel alright for a few hours. And then you can set the scene for a big start in the new year."
A Star-Studded Night of Performances and Reunions
The 2024 edition promises to be a spectacular event, featuring performances from legends like Diana Ross and artists such as Ciara and Maren Morris. The broadcast will also see a notable reunion, as Seacrest is set to share the screen with his ex-girlfriend, Julianne Hough, for the first time in 12 years since their three-year romance ended.
Hough, who will be co-hosting the Las Vegas segment with Rob Gronkowski, previously reflected on their intense relationship, calling it a "whirlwind romance" where she experienced "things I didn't even know existed." Seacrest will anchor the main festivities from New York City alongside Rita Ora.
While the show attracts a global audience eager to celebrate, the revelations from its host serve as a stark reminder of the often-overlooked physical endurance test faced by the dedicated revellers on the ground in Times Square, whose commitment to the celebration knows almost no bounds.
