Ryan Seacrest Remembers Dick Clark

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest paid tribute to friend and mentor Dick Clark during Wednesday's show.

Seacrest began the show by acknowledging Clark's influence as host of "American Bandstand" on shows like "Idol". “Without Dick, a show like this would not exist." Seacrest said. "He will be missed greatly and our thoughts and our prayers go out to his family."

Seacrest later added, “I know that he’s in a better place, saying, ‘Hey, let’s get on with the show, OK?’ You got it, boss.”

Clark, who was also known as the host of "New Year's Rockin' Eve", co-hosted by Seacrest, died Wednesday morning of a massive heart attack at the age of 82.