First, there was "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee." Then came "Live with Regis and Kelly." And coming soon to television: "Live with Regis and Andy."
Andy Beckman, a senior telecommunications major at Ball State, won the American Co-Host Search Friday. Beckman will serve as co-host with Regis Philbin on April 16, in the absence of Kelly Ripa, who is on maternity leave.
Beckman's appearance might once again put Muncie on the map. But Beckman said Muncie got him the gig.
"The producers knew where the votes were coming from," the Angola, Ind., native said.
Beckman explained that the show's producers told him voters from Delaware County and Northeast Indiana were flooding their server daily. He was also told that his friends were crowding Ball State computer labs at 3 a.m. the morning of the announcement, trying to make a last-second push for their classmate.
"If I could write a giant thank-you card and mail it to the campus, I would," Beckman said. "That's why I won. I have no doubt in my mind."
In addition to being Philbin's co-host for a day, Beckman will get at least $10,000 to work exclusively with Buena Vista Television for six months, developing possible TV projects. Following that, he will get a one-year contract with NS Bienstock, a television agency.
Beckman isn't quite sure what this all means, though.
"I don't know what will happen with that," he said. "Is it a $10,000 check or $10,000 worth of work? I don't know."
Beckman said he is expecting a call from the agency Monday. He also said he will not spend the whole $10,000 in one place because he doesn't have any other jobs lined up after school.
Beckman's original plan was to attend graduate school. He has applied to Syracuse University, San Diego State and Cal State-Fullerton and has yet to hear from any of them, but he still intends on going.
Beckman said he still wants a strong finish to his last month of school.
"I have to buckle down and hug the library for a little bit," he said.
Beckman said this experience will simply crack the door of opportunity. He calls the fact that he won lucky.
"This is no guarantee of future success," he said. "The goal now is to try to not screw up."
Beckman doesn't think it was all luck, though. He credits his friends who took him to the initial audition. Beckman flew to Los Angeles over Spring Break and didn't intend to try out. His friends surprised him by taking him, though.
But he doesn't credit only his friends in California. He also credits his friends at Ball State and faculty members who sent out mass e-mails imploring students to vote.
"If they didn't vote, I'd be yesterday's news," Beckman said.
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