Ryan Seacrest Returns as Host of ‘American Idol’

Ryan Seacrest is going back to the show that brought him fame: American Idol. After three months of negotiations with ABC, the 42-year-old TV personality agreed to return to the franchise.

On Thursday morning, Seacrest used his other TV platform, Live with Kelly and Ryan, to make the announcement. He also delivered a statement to express his excitement.

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“It’s genuinely hard to put into words what American Idol means to me. 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,” he said.

Seacrest also revealed that he felt blindsided when American Idol was discontinued by its original network Fox. He said it felt like going back to a “15-year relationship.”

“The show is going, we thought well, and then all of a sudden we broke up,” Seacrest said. “I thought it would be great to get back together at some point.”

Seacrest’s co-host, Kelly Ripa, praised him for his ability to deal with the contestants on the show who have just received heartbreaking news.

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“You make that show. You are the heart and soul,” Ripa said. “People really don’t understand how difficult it is to be there, be supportive, keep the show moving at the clip that it moves and then back away when you need to back away … and step away when you need to step in … because you make it look so easy, no one understands how difficult it is. Only you can do it.”

The only confirmed host of the American Idol reboot at this time is pop superstar Katy Perry. She took to Twitter to voice her excitement that Seacrest was returning to the series.

“I’m spicy, @RyanSeacrest is seasoned! All the right ingredients are coming together on @AmericanIdol. Have YOU auditioned? #TheNextIdol,” the “Roar” singer tweeted.

ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey also delivered a statement about hiring Seacrest.

“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,” she said.

“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,” she added.