A household name from his decades on radio and television as an award-winning host and producer, Ryan Seacrest is confirmed to host the beloved music competition series American Idol for its first season on ABC. He announced today on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Seacrest had a long run with Idol, having served as host for the franchise since its inception in 2002. Here's what Ryan Seacrest had to say in a statement below.
"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. 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."
Since first stepping onto the iconic Idol stage, Seacrest has become a fixture in pop culture and media, most recently signing on as co-host and an executive producer of Disney ABC's top-rated, nationally syndicated Live with Kelly and Ryan, which he will continue to host from New York. Seacrest also hosts and executive produces ABC's annual live show, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Here's what Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment, had to say in his statement.
"We are thrilled to be ushering in this new era of American Idol with Ryan at the helm. 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."
Seacrest will also continue hosting and executive producing On Air with Ryan Seacrest, his market-topping No. 1 nationally syndicated L.A. morning drive-time radio show for iHeartMedia's 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show from his iHeart studio at New York's ABC7, home of Live. Now, with American Idol at its new home, Seacrest will help reinvigorate the series that pioneered a new genre of television, staying true to the heart of the show by sharing inspiring stories and turning dreams into reality. Here's what Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, had to say in her statement.
"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."
When the ABC fall schedule was announced, it was revealed that American Idol will debut in midseason, although a specific date has yet to be given. American Idol's profound effect on the music industry is far-reaching and continually growing, launching the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry, among many others. American Idol contestants have sold more than 60 million albums, resulting in more than 80 Platinum records and 95 Gold records. Its participants have generated more than 450 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 260 million digital downloads. American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America's Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide. Here's what Core Media Group CEO Peter Hurwitz had to say in his statement.
"Idol wouldn't be Idol without Ryan. 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 FremantleMedia North America's Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin along with co-executive producer, Megan Wolflick. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.