American Idol had two hosts, continued
"I couldn't get out of bed. I like to say I wasn't really suicidal but I was suicidal adjacent," he explained.
Brian continued: "I was drinking and doing drugs and doing everything I could to get out of my own head."
But after returning to Idol in 2016 to co-host the series finale, one of his old bosses revealed that they had planned to drop him for season 2 regardless.
The former host told the outlet that he is now "in a much better place."
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
American Idol had two hosts, continued
Despite the feud and aspirations, Brian regretted the decision to leave.
He told TMZ in May 2022 that he was "suicide adjacent" after leaving and started abusing drugs and alcohol because he was "severely depressed."
The reality star said the decision to leave American Idol "haunted" him for years, as the program became wildly popular with Ryan at the forefront.
"I was crippled with depression, I thought I made the biggest mistake that anybody's ever made in history.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org. You can also text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line.
American Idol had two hosts
Way back in season one, fans might remember that Ryan Seacrest wasn't alone while hosting the competition show.
He did it alongside, Brian Dunkleman, who quit after season one, because he didn't think the show would be a hit.
This left Ryan all by himself, with the show never picking a replacement co-host.
Brian had no hosting experience and felt that he was not doing his best work on the show, so he left to be an actor/comedian.
While chatting on the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast in 2021, Brian revealed that he also did not get along with Ryan and that they almost got physical after a live taping of the show.
Katy’s wildest Idol moments: Musical Chairs
Last year, Katy shocked fans after falling out of her chair on live TV after a malfunction with her costume.
It came during Disney night on the show, as she dressed as Ariel from The Little Mermaid - complete with giant tail.
Due to the nature of the costume, it was hard to walk and Katy nearly tripped getting into her chair.
Just as Ryan Seacrest was talking and announcing the show, everyone watching heard a big thud.
The camera panned to Katy down on the ground, her tail in the air.
The contestants, judges, and crowd all broke out into laughter, and then so did Katy as she took a sip from her drink.
Katy's wildest Idol moments: Awkward Extension
Just last month, Katy had a hair-raising experience, and angry fans accused her of trying to take over the show.
It started when she was rocking out to 26-year-old Madison Neisius of Dallas, and suddenly the Firework singer's hair extension fell out. She claimed that she "rock and rolled too hard."
The ensuing laughter cut Madison off, as the American Idol judges decided to have some fun with the hair.
Fellow judge Luke Bryan put the extra hair on, instantly giving himself a mullet even Billy Ray Cyrus would envy.
Katy then called for a request.
"Can we just let him borrow your guitar for one second?" She asked the startled contestant. "I need to him to sing Achy Breaky Heart."
Katy accused of bullying contestant, concluded
Viewers jumped online as they became upset at how the American Idol judge had a "major attitude problem" with the contestant.
One angry person said: "Some of the things Katy Perry says to female contestants are shady."
A third mentioned: "Katy Perry has some major attitude tonight. Sheesh."
One person wrote: "Katy Perry being a mean girl to Sara Beth.
"Like dang - you're not pretty enough to pull that off, Katy. Come back down to reality."
A commentator chimed in: "Why was Katy bullying that girl?"
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57xKernqqklravucSnq2hvZmZ%2Fd3%2BRaJimnaKesKK6jKKbqKRdZ31zf4yloK%2BdXaiwqbHDrqOeZaSku6qzx61m