Brian Dunkleman has responded to Ryan Seacrest's crack at his expense from the Wednesday, April 14 episode of "American Idol" and fortunately, he seems to be rolling with the punches.

Dunkleman tells TV.com, "It was an attempt at a joke. But unfortunately for Ryan, instead of a laugh, he got applause. That's never really been his strong suit. But it was a joke, and whether it was mean-spirited or not is irrelevant. A joke's a joke; you can either take it or you can't."

Dunkleman continues, "'Dancing With the Stars' has replaced 'Idol' as the number one show for, what, the last two weeks? I'm sure that's sending Seacrest into a panic. It's not surprising that he would act crazy to get attention, or throw my name out there--he's done things like this before."

He also touches on "American Dunkleman," the web series that he started. "I think it's a great idea for a show. I wouldn't have to make anything up--if you're a guy who passed up one of the biggest shows in the history of the world, these things just happen to you, and I think it's funny. That's my sense of humor. Some of my favorite shows are Ricky Gervais' "Extras" or "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Zap2it readers think he should just come back to "Idol." 74% of voters say, "Heck yeah! Give the guy another shot."

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/04/american-idol-brian-dunkleman-says-not-surprising-ryan-seacrest-would-act-crazy.html

that's it? I was hoping for a fight-to-the-death finish

A SPECIAL OPINION COMMENT RESPONSE:

I really don't care....so why I am typing this?, because I have a few minutes to kill. Dunkleman is the Pete Best of American Idol, only he wasn't replaced like Pete and he wasn't fired like Pete....so maybe he isn't the Pete Best Of American Idol...lol....when he quit after the first season, he got on a soapbox saying it was because "he didn't want any part of all the meaness/making fun towards the earlier contestants, etc".....in its first season, they weren't mean at all compared to what was to come and the "making fun" actually gave these people their 20 minutes of fame in some/most cases.....bikini girl, pants on the floor, the guy who looked like Clay Aiken, etc.

as for Dunkle's quote of "Seacrest going into a panic because Dancing with the Stars is getting higher ratings" I am no big fan of Seacrest, he is just basically a likeable DJ...very much the successor to Dick Clark....America needs a Casey Kasem, Dick Clark, Rick Dees, etc...a white bread host....Seacrest is one of the busiest and hardest working guys in the business.....Idol is fading, an average run is about 10 years for a show like that....simon is leaving.....but that will still leave Seacrest with his radio show, E! News, and about 10 or so other shows he has his name associated with for developing like the kardashians.

Clark was also brillant like that with his hand in everything, Clark obviously handed his thrown to him (New Years Eve) and he will be around for another 40 years or so, just like Clark was America's oldest teenager.

Seacrest (Not Out)