Ryan Seacrest Tries to High-Five a Blind Man, Hilarity Does Not Really Ensue

There was one moment on last night’s American Idol season premiere that made the whole hour of sentimentality and cruelty worthwhile, and it wasn’t the contrived catfight with the semi-talented girl in the bikini.  It was this.

Did you catch that? Ryan Seacrest tried to high-five Scott Macintyre, 23 year-old contestant on American Idol and all-around blind man.

But what does it mean for America? Find out after the jump.

I can't figure out what I like best about this clip.  I think it was Seacrest's fake-out face-saving feint that made it all worthwhile, as he drops the high-five stance and goes for a heartfelt handclasp – which the poor guy still can’t see, because at this point he remains blind – and then joins in the celebratory moment as if he were a part of Macintyre's circle of family and friends.

Or maybe what I like best is the story of this contestant - by all accounts, a tremendously talented and decent fellow - whose climactic moment was interrupted by Ryan Seacrest grabbing at his hand.  I don't know about you, but I would not like Ryan Seacrest taking my hand in the midst of ecstasy.  In particular I'm thinking of the time I lost my virginity.  That would have been disorienting.

What does this mean for America?  I don't actually know (in all honesty, I was hurting for a transition).  But know this: Ryan Seacrest is not your friend.  You probably see his face more often than you do of your friends, but that's life in our media-saturated fake-o-verse.  So when your life story has been reduced to a clip montage on a talent show, smile graciously when Seacrest laces his moisturized fingers between yours.  And then kick him between the legs.

Comments

[Moo]

Disorienting is one of many words that would apply to Seacrest showing up at that particular moment... but I would definitely put it at the top. That just made my whole day! Hilarious!

[FM]

BD noticed this right away. We had to rewind on the DVR for me to see what she was rolling all over the couch about..

She nailed it right on the head.. "What a tool!"

Later, I asked another friend if they saw it and their response was.. "What a tool."

There.. it's unanimous!

[Maria]

I almost felt bad for Seacrest last night. That shit is SO ending up on The Soup.

[FM]

What about the soon-to-be porno contestant planting one on Seacrest's lips. He doesn't even feign fighting it.. (and he had to know it was coming from the cameramen, or the assistants as she announced it prior to going in). Then he does the Nestea plunge and joins her skanky ass (her only appealing feature - dually noted by our new celebrity judge) in the pool.

Unfortunately, in Phoenix, they only use salt water instead of chlorine to kill bacteria in pools..

[JellyBean]

Saw Ryan try to high-five the blind guy and immediately laughed out loud. Also, he looked terrified of the bikini girl when she came to kiss him. By the by, we only saw a shot of Ryan acting like he was diving into the water - we never actually saw him in the pool or get wet. I am sure he didn't want to mess his hair up.

[Jen]

Dude. I totally watched that, like, five times last night. It made the entire two hours preceding TOTALLY WORTH IT.

[Barbara]

I love Joel McHale, so this made my day. Seacrest is waaaay out.

[Sweetney]

funniest thing about this is that, i swear to god, jamie turned to me the second this happened and said "that is SO going to be on The Soup."

[Sarah]

My first thought was the soup as well. That and the kiss will certainly be on there. Both moments were completely awkward and I didn't feel bad for Ryan one bit >:)