Ryan Seacrest Officially Returning to American Idol on ABC

It’s official. In long-expected news, Ryan Seacrest is returning to host American Idol on Fox, which aired its “farewell season” last year. After Seacrest having been with the show all 15 years, the reboot simply wouldn’t feel authentic with anyone else. “It’s genuinely hard to put into words what American Idol means to me,” Seacrest said in a statement. “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.”

ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said she attributes much of American Idol’s success to Seacrest. Katy Perry joined American Idol as a judge in May, becoming the first onscreen talent to board the reboot. The host of al things will continue to co-host and executive produce Live With Kelly and Ryan from New York, in addition to hosting and executive producing his iHeartRadio-syndicated morning radio show On Air With Ryan Seacrest from Los Angeles. Watch the video below to see two overly chipper morning hosts announce the news.