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CNN Live Today

Search for a Superstar

Aired August 28, 2002 - 11:39   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: That is an amazing, heartfelt performance.
RYAN SEACREST, CO-HOST, "AMERICAN IDOL": I got chills listening to her last night, and of course a little bit right now, too. She is amazing. It will be interesting. I think the thing we have seen on this show, is you don't know exactly what is going to happen, because America is voting, and they are voting on the most recent performance.

LIN: What up with Randy Johnson, the record producer judge, last night? He was harsh on Nikki?

SEACREST: Randy Jackson?

LIN: Yes, he's pretty harsh, sorry.

SEACREST: Yes, he is the guy that calls everybody, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, Randy, Randy, Randy. He was pretty hard on Nikki. I think that Randy feels -- there he is now. He said karaoke. I think, honestly, Randy feels like Nikki is lucky to be in the competition at this point.

LIN: That will work against her, isn't it?

SEACREST: Yes, it certainly is. But you know, honestly, they'll probably all three going to get record deals and do just fine. You know, Justin was very concerned about his performance a week ago when he got a negative reaction and some bad comments from judges when he did his Michael Jackson rendition. But he made a great comeback last night.

As Simon says, for the first time, Simon sees him now as an "American Idol." I asked Justin, is that did that upset you this is the first time he saw you as an "American Idol," and not before in any of the other performances?

He said, look, anything positive from Simon is a good thing.

LIN: I think Simon is took his softie pill lately.

SEACREST: Yes, these guys have obviously proven themselves to a degree, but it's going to be a heck of a fight next week, and tonight we will find out who the final two will be, and live from the Kodak Theater, where the Oscars are next week, we will have our American Idol.

LIN: It's been really tremendous to see the family support that's come out for each and every one of these kids.

SEACREST: Yes, Justin's dad, his name is Eldrin, and he stands up, it is so fun to watch. I will actually watch Justin for a second and look over at Eldrin, his dad. His dad will stand up and sing every word to every single song as if he is on camera as well.

But it is pretty amazing, the support, that their families have shown.

LIN: And Kelly's family too.

SEACREST: Kelly's family there, too. Kelly from a small town in Texas, and we showed footage of her returning home and going to her high school and she is such a naturally charismatic young girl. She is just so much fun to be around and has such great energy.

So obviously, she will do just fine whether or not she wins this competition.

LIN: It was announced that Tamyra Gray will get a record contract. Well, good for her, because it was kind tough to see her get eliminated last week. If you are saying that each and every one of these guys will probably get a record contract, then where is the suspense in all this now?

SEACREST: I think that this is a race. You know, we want wall to see who will win the race and be the "American Idol." But there is no doubt in my mind that each of these finalists, certainly these final three, I mean, they've proven themselves to be very talented to endure the pressure of doing this show, to endure the pressure under circumstances that aren't necessarily normal for most stars. I mean, these guys don't have a team of people working with them. They don't have a team of managers and publicists, stylists. They don't have all that entourage, if you will.

So for them to be able to step up each week, do these songs, perform these songs, and difficult songs for them. If you think about it, the genres of music we have gone with on the show have been very interesting. And part of the reason we have done these, the big band, and the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) is to really test their stamina and test their talent, with songs that aren't necessarily in their comfort zone. So I think that certainly Nikki, Justin and Kelly, and Tamyra for that fact, obviously, they've proven themselves to be very talented to the American people.

LIN: An amazing range. A little something for everyone these days, Ryan. You are joining the cast of "Extra." Congratulations.

SEACREST: Yes, thank you very much. Yes, "Extra" television, the entertainment news magazine. As a matter of fact, Simon Cal (ph) and I are doing some pieces together. He co-anchored the show with Dana Devon (ph) and myself last weekend. We will do some stuff again this weekend.

LIN: Is that like good and evil paired together?

SEACREST: Hopefully I'm the good.

LIN: Yes, I was thinking that.

SEACREST: Although I am wearing his vintage black right now. You know, Simon Cal (ph) is a very interesting individual. The man -- he doesn't have a lot of tact, and he is extremely abrasive. But I think he has proven himself to be quite honest, certainly on our show, and there's a lot of validity in what he has it say. Although I don't necessarily agree with the way he says the things he says.

LIN: It is pretty nasty. He is brutal.

SEACREST: He's brutal, but he's pretty on it, and he's slightly charming. I have seen him out and about in Hollywood, and women like him. They warm up to his charm. So I don't know if you have seen that on the show yet, but he does have a little bit of charm.

LIN: OK, so maybe we will see a little bit of it on "Extra."

Thank so much, Ryan Seacrest. Good to see you.

SEACREST: Thanks for having me on.

And make sure you vote, OK.

OK, I got stay up then.

I got you. Ryan Seacrest, host of "American Idol" and soon to join "Extra."

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