Ryan Seacrest has been added to the MDA Labor Day Telethon, according to a Press Release. Nigel Lythgoe, who will serve as co-host confirms the news:
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — With just three words, MDA Telethon co-host Nigel Lythgoe (American Idol + So You Think You Can Dance) today confirmed that his long-time friend, Ryan Seacrest, has agreed to make a special appeal for the MDA Labor Day Telethon that will be telecast by more than 150 television stations and streamed worldwide at mda.org on Sunday, Sept. 4, between 6 p.m. and midnight.
“He said yes!” is how Lythgoe let MDA Executive Producer Jerry Weinberg know that the multifaceted entertainment personality wants to tell America about the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s extraordinary summer camp program that annually serves thousands of young people with progressive muscle diseases.
Final production details are still being worked out with the jet-setting television production company executive, explained MDA’s Weinberg, “but we are very confident that Ryan Seacrest will find a way to help advance our lifesaving mission with a special message for the tens of millions expected to tune in to the MDA Labor Day Telethon.
“Ryan has an amazing ability to communicate effectively with many generations of television viewers. Having him on our 2011 Telethon is a significant development for the families we serve, ” added Weinberg.
The Orlando Sentinel posted a schedule for the 6 hour telethon, but it looks incomplete. Season 5 Idol, Ace Young, is also set to serve as co-host, but I don’t see his name on the schedule. ETA: Ace is co-hosting in New York.
If you’re a fan of say, Jordin Sparks or Martina McBride, you’ll know when to tune in/set your DVR:
Hour one: Performances by Penn & Teller, Voca People and Celine Dion. The show will introduce co-hosts Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Nancy O’Dell (“Entertainment Tonight”), Alison Sweeney (NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”), and Jann Carl (Emmy-winning journalist and independent producer).
Hour two: Performances by Darius Rucker, Greyson Chance and JabbaWockeeZ. Appeals by Reggie Bush and the co-hosts of ABC’s “The View, ” Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd and Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
Hour three: Lady Antebellum, “Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez and Michael Feinstein will make appeals.
Hour four: Performances by Jimmy Webb, Richie Sambora, Jon Secada and Maureen McGovern. The first of two dance performances by the troupe from “Come Fly Away, ” set to vocals by Frank Sinatra. Appeals by Smokey Robinson and Kurt Warner.
Hour five: Appearances by Jordin Sparks, Martina McBride, “Idol” judges Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, and a second dance by the “Come Fly Away” troupe.
Hour six: Boyz II Men opens the final hour. Billy Ray Cyrus will sing his new single “Nineteen.” A tribute to America features more than 100 performers, including Jordin Sparks, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern and Richie Sambora.
This year is the first MDA Telethon without Jerry Lewis at the helm, and I’ve got to say I’m going to miss tuning in to see the legendary comic break down during “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at sign off.
