The Bravo personality is once again hosting CNN’s special from Times Square alongside Anderson Cooper.
At the beginning of each hour, the hosts engage in a ritual of toasting the new year with shots of alcohol. Two years ago, Cohen and Cooper notably indulged, with Cohen openly criticizing Ryan Seacrest during the broadcast of ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
In the December 2021 special, Cohen remarked, “If you look behind me, you’ll see Ryan Seacrest’s group of losers performing. I’m sorry, but if you’re watching ABC, you’re watching nothing.” Cohen later issued an apology on his SiriusXM radio show.
Last year, Seacrest claimed on Live With Kelly and Ryan that Cohen “did not turn around and wave” when Seacrest greeted them while taping their specials in December 2022. Cohen, unaware of the exchange, clarified during the taping and later appeared on Seacrest’s radio show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, to address any misunderstandings.
This year, Cohen took a proactive approach to avoid any potential conflicts with Seacrest. After a shot of alcohol at the top of the 9 p.m. ET hour, Cohen asserted, “Just want to point out I made a big effort. We waved at Seacrest. He saw us waving, so he cannot go around saying that I dissed him.” Cooper advised against stirring up any issues, but Cohen emphasized, “I’m not starting it. I’m just keeping it real clean. We have waved. Connection has been made.” The Bravo personality
Despite their efforts to maintain a positive tone, Cohen couldn’t resist throwing a subtle jab at another celebrity. While welcoming actress Bridget Everett, who performed One Direction’s “You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful” a cappella, Cohen praised her ability to sing amid the distracting background music, labeling it a “God-awful song” — revealed to be Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire.”