Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora Had an Accidental Double Date Before Co-Hosting “New Year's Rockin' Eve” (Exclusive)

Seacrest tells PEOPLE about a "bizarre" recent run-in with Ora and Taika Waititi while out to dinner with his girlfriend Aubrey Paige

Get ready to launch into the new year with Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora.

As the television personality, 49, and the pop star, 33, prepare to co-host Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 live from New York City on Sunday night, both stars caught up with PEOPLE about the broadcast and more.

While Seacrest has appeared on the annual program since 2005, this year marks Ora's first time in the mix, and they've already formed a "comfortable" bond. "Honestly, it feels like we've been doing this for a long time together," the American Idol host tells PEOPLE at the pre-show "Big Ball Brunch" at EDITION: Times Square.

"Ryan does have the skill of just making everyone feel so comfortable," says Ora, who's appeared on Seacrest's radio show several times in the past. "Like, you definitely make me feel like I can do this."

The "Anywhere" singer already has a stacked resume as a TV personality, having hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards and served as a panelist on The Masked Singer UK, but working live from Times Square in the middle of winter is a unique job. Seacrest, however, doesn't think she needs any "tips" for success.

"She plays to the crowd, she follows the energy, and I know she will do that," he says, noting that the excitement of spending New Year's Eve under the famous ball in N.Y.C. keeps him engaged throughout the night.

Related: Rita Ora Joins 'The Masked Singer' Judging Panel — and Teases She 'Might Stick Around'

"It doesn’t ever get less magical," Seacrest reflects. "It gets a little different in terms of the way the elements impact the show, whether it’s cold or raining. Rita’s going to be spoiledt — with a 'T' — because she is going to be in clear skies, mild temperatures."

When the clock hits midnight and 2024 officially begins, Seacrest plans on sharing a kiss with his girlfriend Aubrey Paige, who's set to attend New Year's Rockin' Eve "with her family," he confirms.

Ora, on the other hand, will have to wait to celebrate with her husband, Taika Waititi, as he'll be in New Zealand preparing for an upcoming film. "But I'll be right on that plane after this gig," she says.

Before New Year's Rockin' Eve rehearsals began, the two couples got to know each other during a unexpected run-in, which turned into a bit of a double date. "As soon as [Rita] closed her deal to host the show, we independently — completely randomly — sat next to each other at the same restaurant in L.A.," says Seacrest, recalling the "bizarre" evening. "So, we already did a four-top toast."

"It was a sign, for sure," says Ora with a laugh. "I was like, 'Ryan, I'm here! I don't know if you made a good choice... I'm not leaving you!'"

Related: Green Day, Reneé Rapp, Janelle Monáe and More to Perform at 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'

Joining the two hosts in Times Square is a star-studded lineup of performers, including Megan Thee Stallion,  LL Cool J, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter and Jelly Roll. New Year's Rockin' Eve will also feature performances in L.A. (with host Jeannie Mai) from Aqua, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Furthermore, the program will include performances from Cardi B in Miami, Post Malone in Las Vegas, NewJeans in South Korea and Ivy Queen in Puerto Rico — as well as appearances from many other celebrities throughout the evening.

"The list of artists is mind-boggling, actually," says Seacrest, who's especially looking forward to watching LL Cool J and Jelly Roll. ("His music is so soulful and powerful," he adds of the "Need a Favor" musician.)

"I love Sabrina," adds Ora. "I think Sabrina's going to be amazing. I think they're all going to be amazing!"

The U.K.-born artist continues, "I will never forget, as someone watching this show from overseas, the performances are pretty memorable from over the years, like Mariah Carey. There’s just been so many incredible performances."

Looking forward to the big night, Seacrest has faith in Ora doing a great job as his co-host — but he has one warning for the "Let You Love Me" hitmaker following the five-hour gig.

"Do you know what you’ll be at the end? Hungry," says Seacrest. "I don't generally eat the whole show."

"Should we get pizza?" quips Ora in response.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024 airs Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, and the audio will be broadcast on 150 iHeartRadio stations nationwide.

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