“Tom’s last name gives a fair indication of his skills. He “Riles” up a crowd with his personable, engaging delivery. When we’ve worked together, he’s made my job much easier!”

– Tom Bergeron, host of “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”

“When Henry Winkler & I first hired Tom to warm up our crowd for “Hollywood Squares,” we were WOWed from the first day – and so was everyone else. Tom Riles is not just a great crowd rouser, he’s one of the nicest, and most-reliable people I’ve ever worked with.”

– Michael Levitt, Executive Producer of “Hollywood Squares” and many other shows

“Who doesn’t love Tommy Riles?! Working with Tom on a live show gave me a great appreciation for his keen sense of humor and professionalism. There were many times when we were saved because Tom was on it. Tom is the perfect bridge between the booth and the audience, always making everyone (talent, producers, director) feel comfortable and confident.”

– Michael Weinberg, Executive Producer

“Tom Riles, the guy who warms up the audience for the half-hour before the start of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” is a genius.”

- Millie Ball, New Orleans, Time Picayune

Tom Riles, the guy who warms up Ellen’s audience before the show and between segments, must drink a whole lot of coffee. He hardly stopped moving from about a half hour before taping began to the end of the show, at least two hours if not more.

Tom explained all the rules-phones off, hug the person next to you, give the person in front of you a back rub, tell your neighbors you love them. He and DJ Stryker also got us on our feet and dancing. And Tom’s the guy who tossed out the “I danced with Ellen” T-shirts, one of which I happened to catch.

One of the most endearing things about Tom, who is from Chicago, is how he sings the wrong lyrics to songs, or the right lyrics at the wrong times.

So he wouldn’t make it on “American Idol.” He does just fine on “Ellen.”

- Curt Wagner, Show Patrol, Chicago