Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora Had an Accidental Double Date Before Co-Hosting New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (Exclusive)

Get ready to ring in the new year with Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora.

As the TV personality, 49, and the pop star, 33, prepare to co-host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 live from New York City on Sunday night, both stars spoke to PEOPLE about the broadcast and more.

While Seacrest has appeared on the annual program since 2005, Ora is in the mix for the first time this year and they have already established a “cozy” relationship. “Honestly, it feels like we’ve been doing this together for a long time,” he said American Idol the host tells PEOPLE at the “Big Ball Brunch” pre-show at EDITION: Times Square.

Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora.

John Nacion/Penske Media via Getty

“Ryan has a knack for just making everyone feel so comfortable,” says Ora, who has appeared on Seacrest’s radio show several times in the past. “Like, you definitely make me feel like I can do this.”

The “Anywhere” singer already has a stacked resume as a TV personality, after being a host MTV Europe Music Awards and was a panelist at Masked Singer UK, but working live from Times Square in the dead of winter is a unique job. Seacrest, however, doesn’t think she needs any “tips” to succeed.

“She’s playing with the crowd, following the energy, and I know she’s going to do it,” he says, noting that the excitement of ringing in the New Year under NYC’s famous ballroom keeps him engaged all night.

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ With Ryan Seacrest 2024′.

Disney

Rita Ora joins the ‘Masked Singer’ jury — and teases she ‘could stay’

“It never gets any less magical,” Seacrest muses. “It becomes a little different in terms of how the elements affect the show, whether it’s cold or raining. Rita will be spoiled — with a ‘T’ — because it will be in clear skies, mild temperatures.”

When the clock strikes midnight and 2024 officially begins, Seacrest plans to share a kiss with his girlfriend, Aubrey Paige, who is due to arrive New Year’s rockin’ night “with her family,” he confirms.

Aubrey Paige and Ryan Seacrest. Monica Schipper/Getty

Ora, on the other hand, will have to wait to celebrate with her husband, Taika Waititi, as he will be in New Zealand preparing for the upcoming film. “But I’ll be right on that plane after this show,” she says.

Ago New Year’s rockin’ night rehearsals began, two couples met during an unexpected meeting, which somewhat turned into a double date. “As soon as possible [Rita] closed her deal to host the show, we were independently — completely randomly — sitting next to each other at the same restaurant in LA,” says Seacrest, recalling the “bizarre” evening. “So, we’ve already toasted.”

Taika Waititi and Rita Ora. Matt Winkelmeyer/MG23/Getty

“That must have been a sign,” says Ora with a laugh. “I thought, ‘Ryan, I’m here! I don’t know if you made the right choice… I’m not leaving you!’

Green Day, Reneé Rapp, Janelle Monáe and more to perform at ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

The two Times Square hosts are joined by an all-star lineup of performers, including Megan Thee Stallion, LL Cool J, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter and Jelly Roll. New Year’s rockin’ night will also include LA performances (hosted by Jeannie Mai) from Aqua, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends featuring Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Green Day, Renée Rapp and Janelle Monáe.

Jerritt Clark for Amazon Music/Getty; Dia Dipasupil/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage

Additionally, the program will include performances by Cardi B in Miami, Post Malone in Las Vegas, NewJeans in South Korea and Ivy Queen in Puerto Rico — as well as many other celebrity appearances throughout the evening.

“The lineup is actually mind-blowing,” says Seacrest, who is especially looking forward to seeing LL Cool Ja and Jelly Roll. (“His music is so soulful and powerful,” she adds of the “Need a Favor” musician.)

“I love Sabrina,” adds Ora. “I think Sabrina is going to be amazing. I think all of them are going to be amazing!”

Rita Ora.

Max Cisotti/Dave Bennett/Getty

The UK-born artist continues: “I’ll never forget, as someone watching this show from overseas, the performances have been quite memorable over the years, like Mariah Carey. There have been so many amazing performances.”

Looking forward to the big night, Seacrest believes Ora is doing a great job as his co-host — but he has one warning for the “Let You Love Me” hitmaker after the five-hour gig.

Ryan Seacrest.

Noam Galai/Getty

“Do you know what you’re going to end up with? Hungry,” Seacrest says. “I generally don’t eat the whole show.”

“Shall we get pizza?” jokes Ora in response.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 airs Sunday at 8:00 PM EST on ABC, and audio will air on 150 iHeartRadio stations nationwide.

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Source: HIS Education