Ryan Seacrest cringes as he recalls Wheel of | TV Shows

During the live May 11 episode of American Idol, teenage contestant Slater Nalley briefly forgot the lyrics to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.

While the moment may have rattled some performers, Nalley pushed through and completed the performance. Afterward, Idol host Ryan Seacrest stepped in to share a personal confession in the hopes to ease Nalley’s nerves.

“I’ve stood here and said, ‘Welcome back to Wheel of Fortune,’” Seacrest admitted, referring to the other show he now hosts. “Wrong show.”

The quick remark earned a laugh from the audience and served as a reminder that even professionals make mistakes on live television.

Judge Luke Bryan followed with his own message to Nalley: “You’ve done what we’ve all done. Right before you gotta sing, you go blank. We’ve all done it. But man, what a recover from that. Not to expose you, but I want you to just understand that stuff happens. I’ve done it on awards shows and hard pressure moments. Way to recover and great job on the finish.”

Seacrest has been with American Idol since its debut in 2002. In September 2024, he added Wheel of Fortune to his schedule, stepping in after Pat Sajak’s retirement. This season marks the first time he’s hosted both iconic shows at the same time.

Ahead of his Wheel debut, Seacrest expressed enthusiasm for the longtime game show. “I mean, it’s Wheel of Fortune, how could you not be happy?” he said on Good Morning America. “It’s energetic, it’s positive, it’s fun. I’m so excited.”

American Idol’s Season 23 finale will air on Sunday, May 18 on ABC and stream later on Hulu.