Ryan Seacrest, Jenny McCarthy 'Anxious' For Mariah Carey's New Year's Rockin' Eve Return

The longtime co-hosts are opening up about Mariah Carey's comeback.

During an E! News exclusive, published on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy discussed the diva's anticipated return to their New Year's Rockin' Eve special following the previous year's disastrous lip syncing performance. 

"We are really not in control," the American Idol host said. "This is so different than doing a show on stage or in a theater or in an arena. You are in Times Square with all the elements including windchill of -5. It's not like that on the set."

"This year we are anxious to see Mariah come back," Seacrest, who previously refuted Carey's criticisms of the show, continued. He also explained that, while they never thought she'd agree to perform, they're definitely glad that she did. 

"How many times would we all like a second chance at something?" McCarthy added. "I think it's a wonderful thing."

As the publication noted, it was announced just last week that the "Always Be My Baby" singer would once again perform live just before the ball drops to ring in 2018. At the time, Carey, who called her previous performance a "total chaotic mess," and Dick Clark Productions released a joint statement.

"We can all agree that last year didn't go exactly as planned and we are thrilled to move forward together to provide America with an incredible night of music and celebration on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018," the statement read. "See you in Times Square!" 

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Ciara will join Seacrest and McCarthy this year, covering the show's west coast broadcast in Hollywood. In addition to Carey, a number of pop stars are gearing up to hit the stage during the five-hour-long production, including Nick Jonas, Camila Cabello, and Sugarland in Times Square and Halsey, Alessia Cara, Florida Georgia Line, and Hailee Steinfeld in Los Angeles.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest will air on ABC on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. ET.