Ryan Seacrest makes Dick Clark cry, Chubby Checker twirls Susan Lucci

Dick Clark was brought to tears Sunday night by a standing ovation at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, after Ryan Seacrest led the audience through decades of memories in a tribute recognizing  "American Bandstand" and Clark's influence on pop music.

Chubby Checker rocked "The Twist," pulling Susan Lucci up on stage to dance and then picking her up and twirling her around as a finale -- not bad for 68 and 63, respectively. Tony Orlando tried to get the crowd to sing along with him on "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" (Weak sauce, audience people! Next time sing the dang song!) and Marie Osmond performed to a national audience for the first time since the death of her son Michael Bryan.

A tribute montage included recorded messages from Cher, Barry Manilow, Garth Brooks and even Simon Cowell, who made the point that without "Bandstand," there would be no "American Idol," and closed his bit by letting Clark know he is "the man."

Clark, 80, attended the event with his wife, Kari Wigton, and expressed his thanks to all before his emotions got the better of him. Clark suffered a stroke in 2003; since 2005, Seacrest has been co-hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" with him under a variety of titles. 

Check out the opening of the tribute in video embedded after the break.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photos: Dick Clark, left, sits with Ryan Seacrest during the "American Bandstand" tribute at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 27, 2010, in Las Vegas. At right, after a standing ovation, Clark breaks down in tears with wife Kari Wigton at his side. Credits: Eric Jamison / Associated Press, left; Kevin Winter / Getty Images for ATI, right.

Click and scroll for more on Ryan Seacrest. Want the headlines? Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter (we're @LATcelebs) or swing by our Facebook page and 'like' us right into your news feed.

Comments

[Mike Eppler]

One word .Awsome.It doesnt get any better then this

[bnewby]

Hello, Mr Clark

You have done more for music than anybody else in history of music. I love you man and I am sure that everybody else does too. Thank you for being so caring about everybody, i knew you didn't have to do it but you did because the type of person you have been your whole career.

thanks you

[Roger W. Morgan]

Dick...there aren't words enough to express the deep appreciation of those of us who have known you throughout the years and have marveled at your amazing ability to honor the music and the musicians who changed the world. My personal appreciation to you now and always.

Roger W. Morgan
Los Angeles

[LUDIENNE CARBONNEAU FINLEY]

I USE TO GO TO THE ATLANTIC CITY, NJ STEEL PIER TO WATCH DICK CLARK AND HIS WONDERFUL SHOW. WHEN EVER HE BROUGHT BANDSTAND TO ATLANTIC CITY MY SISTERS AND I WOILD GO!!! HE HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE SINCE I CAN REMEMBER!! HE HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION ON THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU WANTED TO BE. HE IS AWESOME!!

LOVE YOU DICK CLARK!!

LUDIENNE CARBONNEAU FINLEY

[Finnell Clark]

I forgot to tell you that i am the one that had to leave to come to Texas for my Grandmothers funerel,,i never did thank you and your sec. for helping me through all of that,,i wanted to do it at the Pizza Party that we had after the show.

Thank You So Much

Finnell Clark

[Marylan Gonzales]

I am 64 years young...As a pre teeny-bopper..bobby soxer.. i learned to dance and sing along with all the artist you had on your show.. you not only provided clean holsum entertainment to all ages.. i believe you made a huge impact on bringing together teenagers of all races .. Thank you for that..