After months of speculation, Ryan Seacrest will officially be back as the host of American Idol.
The news was announced during Thursday morning’s episode of Live with Kelly & Ryan.
‘I am happy to confirm…that Ryan Seacrest is returning of the host of American Idol,’ Ryan’s co-host, Kelly Ripa, proudly shared with audiences.
He’s back! After months of speculation, Ryan Seacrest will officially be back as the host of American Idol (pictured April 2016)
Big reveal: The news was announced during Thursday morning’s episode of Live with Kelly & Ryan
‘Very, very excited!’ Ryan added.
‘Let me try that one more time!’ Kelly teased. ‘Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of American Idol!’
From 2002 to 2016, Ryan was the host of American Idol, which became one of the most watched shows of U.S. television.
Ryan initially co-hosted the competition show with Brian Dunkleman, who departed from the program after it’s first season.
‘Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of American Idol!’ Kelly embraced her co-host after sharing the confirmed news
American Idol experienced a decline in ratings in recent years, and officially came to an end after 15 seasons on Fox in April 2016.
This time, the new reboot will air on ABC.
In a statement confirming his role, Ryan said it was an honor to return to the show, which helped launch his career and turn him into a household name.
‘I’m so grateful for the show’: In a statement confirming his role, Ryan said it was an honor to return to the show, which helped launch his career and turn him into a household name
‘It’s genuinely hard to put into words what American Idol means to me,’ he said.
‘I’m so grateful for the show and all the career and life opportunities it’s allowed me to experience. It’s been an incredible journey from day one. To be asked to return this year, at my new home at Disney|ABC, is an honor, if not a bit surreal.
‘I believe ABC is the perfect home for Idol, and I’ve every confidence the show’s legions of fans will love it – especially Idol’s best traditions of showcasing heartwarming stories, remarkable talent discovery, and, best of all, making dreams come true.’
It’s a hit! From 2002 to 2016, Ryan was the host of American Idol, which became one of the most watched shows of U.S. television (pictured May 2017)
The reboot will feature Katy Perry as a judge, and auditions are scheduled to begin in Portland, Oregon and Orlando, Florida on August 17.
For months, Ryan’s potential involvement in the reboot had been making headlines.
In June TMZ reported the television personality agreed to a $10-$15 million salary, but was still working it out over an executive producer credit.
TMZ’s source said that Ryan wanted the EP credit but ABC declined so as not to ‘ruffle’ the feathers of Katy Perry, who had also wanted that title; they denied her request.
Original: Ryan initially co-hosted the competition show with Brian Dunkleman, who departed from the program after it’s first season (pictured 2002)