Ryan Seacrest to continue as host for ‘American Idol’

Photo: ABC

Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest will be returning as host of the music competition series “American Idol,” a role he’s held since the inception of the franchise in 2002. He reunites with previously announced judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as in-house mentor, Bobby Bones.

Since first stepping onto the “Idol” stage 17 years ago, Seacrest has become one of the most recognizable fixtures in pop culture and media, also serving as co-host and executive producer on ABC’s top-rated, nationally syndicated “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” as well as ABC’s annual live show “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”

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.”

“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.”

The nationwide “American Idol” audition tour concludes this weekend with an open call in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 21. In addition to auditioning in person, hopefuls can also submit audition videos online or show off their talent via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #TheNextIdol. You must be at least 15 years old to audition.

Please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions for more details on specific audition locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms and conditions.

Belinda Thomas