Simulcasting With Ryan Seacrest

Late in the show, Howard hooked up with Ryan Seacrest via ISDN to simulcast a planned ‘AGT’ interview. Ryan said he’d been hearing that Howard was a “sweet and gracious” judge, which surprised him, so Howard explained that his mission was to take it seriously–just like ‘American Idol’ does: “I feel you guys brought in, on ‘American Idol,’ Jimmy Iovine because you needed somebody to be more critical.” Ryan saw where Howard was going–and answered diplomatically: “I think a key to a great panel is balance.” Asked if he’d brought any contestants to tears, Howard fessed up: “I had to be honest. He wasn’t a very good rapper. … You can’t always be so polite.”