Ryan Seacrest Shuts Down Stroke Rumors After Slurring Speech on ‘American Idol’ Finale

After American Idol viewers expressed concern for Ryan Seacrest‘s health on the show’s season finale, the longtime host wants to assure everyone that he’s doing fine. Fans began to speculate about Seacrest’s well-being on social media last night when he appeared to slur his words and his right eye began to droop after he announced a performance by Cynthia Erivo. But today, Seacrest’s rep denied that he was suffering from any health issues, People reports.

Although fans interpreted Seacrest’s condition as a possible stroke, his rep shot down the rumors that had been circulating on Twitter. “Ryan did not have any kind of stroke last night,” the rep told People. “Like many people right now, Ryan is adjusting to the new normal and finding work-home balance, with the added stress of having to put on live shows from home.”

His rep explained that Seacrest — who holds multiple hosting jobs aside from his work on Idol — was feeling exhausted, not ill. “Between Live with Kelly and Ryan, American Idol, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and the Disney Family Singalong specials, he has been juggling three to four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he’s in need of rest,” his rep said. “So today he took a well-deserved day off.”

Although Seacrest appeared normal toward the end of the finale, fans were alarmed to watch him while he announced Idol’s Top 2. He didn’t pause during the show to acknowledge the moment that set off the social media flurry, but fans were quick to point out the difference between his condition last night and his usual  appearance hosting. “As someone who has watched American Idol for just about the last 15-20 years, watching Ryan Seacrest in this shape really hurt my heart,” one user tweeted. “I’m not sure what he is going through, but I sure hope he gets well soon.”

“I’m a speech-language pathologist and just watched Ryan Seacrest at the end of the American Idol show,” another added. “His right eye and corner of the right side of his mouth both appeared to droop on air. He seemed disoriented momentarily and his speech sounded slurred.”

Seacrest has been the host of American Idol since the show debuted in 2002. This year, Season 18 of the show, marks the first time the competitors have performed from home and winner has been announced virtually.

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