Ryan Seacrest to Host ABC’s ‘American Idol’

Were you expecting Brian Dunkleman?

Ryan Seacrest
Fox

Seacrest, IN.

Ryan Seacrest will reprise his role as “American Idol” host on the upcoming ABC revival, Kelly Ripa revealed Thursday morning on the duo’s syndicated daytime talker, “Live.”

Seacrest will stay aboard their daily Disney-ABC production in New York City, where they built the guy his own radio studio just to continue broadcasting “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.”

The busiest man in show-business has hosted “Idol” since its 2002 inception on Fox. Back in Season 1, the radio personality split the duties with stand-up comedian Brian Dunkleman.

The nationwide search for the next American Idol kicks off on Thursday, August 17, when the bus tour starts to cross the country. The show is set for a mid-season premiere, with Katy Perry lined up as one of the new celebrity judges.

“It’s genuinely hard to put into words what ‘American Idol’ means to me,” Seacrest said in a media release. “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.”

“We are thrilled to be ushering in this new era of ‘American Idol’ with Ryan at the helm,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “So much of ‘American Idol”s overwhelming success can be attributed to Ryan, whose larger-than-life personality and laudable dedication to creating quality entertainment has made him a true master of his craft. His talent is limitless, and I can’t think of a more appropriate person to honor the ‘Idol’ legacy as it takes on new life than the man who has been there through it all.”

Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, said, “American Idol is back and already on the road searching to find the next generation of superstars. Idol has always been about the contestants and the music, and we couldn’t be more excited to start this next chapter — first with the incredibly talented new judge, Katy Perry, and now our own series icon, Ryan Seacrest. We’re delighted that he’s joining us and ABC as we set out to uncover the amazing talent America has to offer.”

“‘Idol’ wouldn’t be ‘Idol’ without Ryan,” said Core Media Group CEO Peter Hurwitz. “He is a natural who has been there from the start, shines on live television and has dominated in every one of his professional endeavors. The show’s millions of devoted fans will be delighted to welcome him back to center stage on ABC.”

“American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include Kinane and Jennifer Mullin along, with co-executive producer Megan Wolflick. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

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