Dick Clark had a huge impact on the television landscape. Not just through his American Bandstand show that aired for more than 40 years on ABC, but also as a producer of many game shows and specials. Who hasn’t rung in the New Years to his Rockin’ Eve show?
So, I thought it kind of sucked, that the only celebrities the producers of the Daytime Emmys could get to perform live, on stage for the big Ryan Seacrest-hosted tribute were has-beens like the Spinners, Chubby Checker and Marie Osmond. All the big guns, like Simon Cowell, Garth Brooks and Cher participated in a filmed segment.
Nevertheless, I have to say I teared up a little when Clark broke down during his standing ovation. The TV legend had a stroke several years ago, and I would imagine that every television appearance is a struggle for him. Check out the lengthy tribute, in two parts, after the jump.
Simon said there would be no American Idol without Dick Clark.
Oh! And, the Ellen Degeneres Show won Outstanding Talk Show/Entertainment. Ellen was not there–her producers picked up the award.
Video after the JUMP…
Part 1
Part 2
