The hard-working host made 'Idol' history by taking the day off, and Katy Perry joked it's proof that he's 'human after all.'
Ryan Seacrest might seem like a TV hosting machine, with his implacable work ethic and numerous jobs, but the 44-year-old star made American Idol history on Monday when he had to call out sick.
While that might not sound like a big deal, this marks the first time Seacrest has ever used a sick day and missed a production day on Idol in all 17 seasons that he's served as host.
Bobby Bones stood in for Seacrest during the episode -- which was taped several weeks ago -- and addressed the regular host's absence at the top of the show.
"I am not Ryan Seacrest; I am Bobby Bones. Sadly, Ryan is sick, and I look most like him so they asked me to fill his shoes tonight," Bones quipped to the audience. "Ryan, love you, buddy. Hope you get better."
While it doesn't appear that Seacrest is still sick, some of his Idol co-stars took to Twitter to comment on the only Seacrest-less episode ever with some sweet messages for the hard working host.
"Proof that @ryanseacrest is human after all," judge Katy Perry tweeted, along with a shocked face and robot emjoi. "And it only took 17 years for you to use your sick day, not bad!"
Lionel Richie also took to Twitter to address how unusual it was for Seacrest to be absent.
"Wow, @ryanseacrest missing an @AmericanIdol show day is crazy!" Richie tweeted. "Hardest working guy in the business!"
Luke Bryan chimed in, celebrating the fact that Seacrest finally proved that he wasn't literally a hosting machine, writing, "We missed you for this one! Really thought you might be a robot but glad you’re feeling better. Haha!"
This is just one of many surprising moments from this season of American Idol, following a score of emotional performances, touching contestant backstories and unexpected surprises -- including an on-stage marriage proposal!
Check out the video below for more on the romantic moment, which brought Perry to tears.
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