Ryan Seacrest re-signs with ABC to continue as – Business News
Ryan Seacrest has inked a new deal to keep on as host of “American Idol,” extending his run with the long-running competitors by way of its twenty fourth total season and ninth on ABC.
The settlement, which was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, comes two weeks after judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood renewed their contracts for the 2026 version.
Virtual auditions for the new cycle are already underway.
Ryan Seacrest signed a new deal to continue internet hosting “American Idol” by way of its twenty fourth total season and ninth on ABC. Disney
Seacrest, 50, has been the one on-camera determine to seem on each season of “American Idol” since its 2002 debut, guiding this system by way of community shifts and format modifications.
“American Idol” aired on Fox from 2002 to 2016 earlier than being revived on ABC in 2018. Since its inception, the show has repeatedly retooled its format, with main modifications to auditions, voting, spherical construction and choose panels since its 2002 debut.
Updates have included curated pre-audition screenings, shifting semifinal codecs, new mentoring roles like an “artist in residence,” expanded stay voting by way of apps and social media and pandemic-era distant performances.
The 2026 season is scheduled to premiere within the first quarter.
Judges Luke Bryan (far proper) and Lionel Richie (far left) lately renewed their contracts for the 2026 season. Carrie Underwood, who isn’t pictured, additionally renewed her deal. Katy Perry (second from left) departed the show after seven seasons. ABC
Last season, “American Idol” drew 7.25 million cross-platform viewers over 5 weeks for its Sunday broadcasts, with Monday episodes pulling a smaller however regular viewers.
The show’s seven-day linear numbers — 5.87 million on Sundays and 5.15 million on Mondays — held degree with the prior 12 months.
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Produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, the collection stays a flagship title for ABC.
Megan Wolflick continues as showrunner and government producer alongside Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman of 19 Entertainment.
Seacrest is one of tv’s highest-paid personalities, incomes about $12 million per “Idol” season and more than $75 million yearly from all initiatives, in accordance to stories. In 2024, he additionally took over as host of “Wheel of Fortune,” changing Pat Sajak.
Produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, “American Idol” stays one of ABC’s flagship reveals. Disney through Getty Images
Born in Atlanta in 1974, Seacrest launched his broadcast profession as a teenager earlier than transferring to Los Angeles at 19.
Beyond “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune,” he has fronted “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” radio packages “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “American Top 40” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
Through Ryan Seacrest Productions, he has overseen hits like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
His philanthropic Ryan Seacrest Foundation helps pediatric hospitals nationwide.
Seacrest’s web price is estimated between $450 million and $500 million, cementing his place as one of the industry’s high earners.
Seacrest has additionally fronted “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” as well as to his radio reveals. ABC
“American Idol” surged in 2025, with its May 18 season finale drawing 6.51 million viewers — the show’s largest viewers in two years and up 16% from the prior season’s nearer.
The finale additionally hit a 0.72 score in Adults 18-49, its strongest demo exhibiting since March 2025.
Throughout the spring, Sunday broadcasts constantly topped 6 million viewers, making “Idol” the No. 1 leisure program in primetime.
The Post has sought remark from ABC and Seacrest.
