Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson Have an 'American Idol' Reunion on 'Live,' Recall Their 1st Day of Auditions

By
Getty Images

It was as if no time had passed when Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson reunited on Thursday morning.

Jackson -- who was a judge for 12 seasons on Fox'sAmerican Idolwhile Seacrest was hosting -- filled in for Kelly Ripa as co-host of Live With Kelly and Ryan alongside his old friend. Seacrest will soon return as the host of ABC's reboot of Idol, but remembers a great deal about that first day of auditions for the singing competition show in 2002.


EXCLUSIVE: Paula Abdul Would Be Interested in Being a Mentor on ABC's American Idol

"I remember the first day we were all sitting there like, 'Is this really going to work? What is this?'" Jackson recalled.

"I remember walking in and seeing this guy who just finished his cigarette and his pants were high and his shirt had this gap," Seacrest remembered. "I said, 'This guy is on our show?' Turns out, it was Simon Cowell."


EXCLUSIVE: Mariah Carey Advises Lionel Richie on Rumored American Idol Gig -- 'Don't Do It'

Jackson, 61, also congratulated the 42-year-old TV personality for landing the hosting gig on the revamped Idol. He also jokingly addressed reports that he was once approached for the job. "Rumor has it is that I'm hosting as well as Ryan," he quipped. "We don't know."

Seacrest responded, "When I went to go get the paper today, it did say: 'Randy Jackson to host American Idol. I was like, 'At least tell me if you’re going to do that.'"


MORE: Ryan Seacrest Talks American Idol Reboot and Kelly Clarkson Joining The Voice

In June, Jackson told ET that he had been approached about being a part of the Idol reboot. “They wanted me to take Ryan Seacrest's job, because they said 'Look man, look, you got it. You know how to do it, dog,'” he said. “I would only host with Ryan. He's my friend."

Check out more of ET's interview with Jackson, where he talks further American Idol's return to TV:

Related Gallery