Ryan Seacrest to Return for “American Idol” on ABC

Ryan Seacrest at the 76th Annual Golden Globe in January 2019. AwardsPhoto by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (10048066cs)

Ryan Seacrest is officially returning as host of American Idol. 

The music competition, which is heading into its 3rd season on ABC (and its 18th overall) will see Seacrest at the helm with the team — including judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, and in-house mentor Bobby Bones — also back. 

American Idol has been my home for 17 seasons and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” said Seacrest. “It’s the greatest gift to be able to play a part in discovering new talent with a franchise that has been such a relevant part of American culture for so many years.”

“Ryan has been hosting Idol since the beginning, and the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the show after 17 seasons are remarkable,” said Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment. “We can’t wait to see what’s in store as Ryan, our superstar judges and in-house mentor set out on their nationwide search for the next great music sensation.”

Seacrest will still keep his other engagements, which include his radio show On Air with Ryan Seacrest, ABC’s Live with Kelly and Ryan, as well as the annual live show Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.