Seacrest Returning To Host Idol
To the surprise of pretty much no one, multimedia mogul Ryan Seacrest has finalized a deal to return to host ABC’s rebooted version of American Idol. He joins Katy Perry, the show’s only confirmed judge thus far. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the news was broken yesterday morning by Kelly Ripa during the taping of Live with Kelly and Ryan. Seacrest likened his return to the show like returning to “a 15-year relationship.”
In a statement, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said, “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.” In his own statement, Seacrest added, “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.”
Now, the logistics: Seacrest is expected to be in Los Angeles for live Idol shows on Sunday evenings, and then grab a red-eye to New York to appear on Live and his radio show on Monday morning. In a bid for increased synergy, Seacrest revealed on Thursday’s Live that eliminated Idol contestants would be stopping by Live after they exit Idol. Auditions for the rebooted Idol, which spent its first 15 seasons on Fox, will begin in mid-August.
• In a related story, Seacrest’s lovely and talented KIIS-FM/Los Angeles morning show co-host Sisanie (center) will join Ryan as his television co-host on his nationally syndicated Live With Kelly and Ryan on Monday, August 7 while Kelly Ripa is on vacation.
Seacrest posted, “My TV wife @kellyripa is going on vacation in August so my radio wife @sisanie has agreed to fill in for a day! BTW… this is the ONLY time ur wife can take a vacation and u can have another woman fill in.” Sisanie said, “I’m still in shock!!! Thank you so much @kellyripa and Ryan for this amazing opportunity!” Check your local listings! That’s what we’re doing right now.
