Level with us: Clay or Ruben?
I'm actually a Clay guy, believe it or not. Ruben has an amazing voice, but he's kind of like your typical Luther Vandross or Peabo Bryson. Where Clay is — I've never seen anybody like that, except for maybe Rick Astley, way back when. He's this little guy with this tremendous voice.

Have you actually seen the movie Fame?
Oh, yeah! That's like the bible for me.

So what exactly is your role on the show?
I'm like the Ryan Seacrest, I guess. [Laughs] I'm just gonna be myself. And hopefully not act like an idiot.

Are you going to sing?
Hell no! I'll be hosting. I don't know exactly what that consists of, but I'll be hosting.

Gotcha. We'll be watching.
Let me know if I suck, all right?

Will do.
— Lev Grossman