by Kayla Hevey
Ryan Seacrest is back!
The 42-year-old radio and television personality confirmed that he will be returning to his role as the host of “American Idol” on Thursday morning during “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”
“American Idol” premiered back in 2002 on Fox. It was a huge success that lasted fifteen seasons, but in 2016, the show announced it would be airing its final season. Fortunately for all “American Idol” fans, ABC picked up the show to start again in 2018.
Seacrest remained the host of the show during its run, and luckily will reprise his role for the reboot.
Singer Katy Perry will also be making an appearance on the show. It’s been revealed that she will be a judge on the upcoming reboot.
Rumors were going around about Simon Cowell or former contestant Kelly Clarkson joining the judging panel, but nothing has been confirmed. We’ll just have to wait and see!
Want to audition for the show? Live auditions begin this August.
Ryan Seacrest wasn’t always a well known name. Let’s take a look at his journey to where he is today.
Ryan Seacrest’s Journey from Local Radio to Worldwide Television Personality
From a young age, Seacrest knew he wanted to work in radio. He studied at the University of Georgia and received an internship at a local radio station. This later turned into his first radio job.
Seacrest made the move to Los Angeles where he started an afternoon radio show called “Ryan Seacrest for the Ride Home.” It was created for those driving during the afternoon commute. It gave listeners a mix of music and guests as they talked about the day’s events. This show became very popular.
2002 was the big year for Ryan Seacrest as he gained some recognition and landed the job as the cohost of Fox’s “American Idol.” He wasn’t alone, though. Brian Dunkleman was also a host, however, he left after the first season. Seacrest remained the host until the show ended in 2016.
The following year, 2003, is when the well-known radio show, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” started. The show, still running today, broadcasts in Burbank, California and can be heard on over 130 stations across America and Canada.
American Idol certainly helped build his career and opened many doors to new opportunities. Seacrest became the host and red carpet correspondent for E! News. Although Seacrest is no longer a host, he can still be seen making his way down the red carpet interviewing celebrities. He doesn’t just stop at the red carpet, though. Seacrest made his way to London and Rio de Janeiro where he was a correspondent for NBC at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Seacrest kept the balling rolling, or should I say, the Times Square Ball rolling, when he began hosting alongside Dick Clark for ABC’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” The two rang in the new year with music and fun to celebrate the year to come. After Clark passed away, Seacrest continued the well-loved tradition.
This man of many talents doesn’t just work in front of the camera. He’s also an executive producer for shows like “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” “Shades of Blue,” and “Food Revolution.” In 2010, he won an Emmy for “Food Revolution” for Outstanding Reality Program.
And that leaves us to his latest endeavor. Back in May, Kelly Ripa announced Seacrest would be her new cohost for her daytime talk show. He filled the spot after Michael Strahan left to join “Good Morning America.”
Ryan Seacrest has come a long way since landing his first radio job out of college. His plate is pretty full, as he will continue his radio show and cohosting “Live with Kelly and Ryan” while also hosting “American Idol.” But what would the show be without its original host?
