Ryan Seacrest to return as American Idol host for Season 24 in 2026

ABC confirmed that Ryan Seacrest has signed a new deal to return as host of American Idol for its 24th overall season, the program's ninth on ABC, set to air in early 2026. Seacrest will rejoin judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, who have also renewed their agreements to return for the upcoming cycle, the network said.

The show announced that auditions are already underway through the Idol Across America virtual search, which will visit all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. beginning with a First 900 VIP event on Aug. 26 and running through Sept. 22 before a nationwide open call on Sept. 24, producers said. Idol hopefuls will initially perform for producers via the live, virtual format with the opportunity to advance to judge auditions and open call dates will also be available to eligible applicants worldwide.

Seacrest, 50, has been the only on camera figure to appear in every season since American Idol debuted in 2002. He has hosted the series continuously since the first season, when he cohosted alongside Brian Dunkleman, who did not return for Season 2. His new deal was reported to have closed shortly after Bryan, Richie and Underwood finalized their...