It’s Official! Ryan Seacrest Returns to American Idol for Season 24
When ABC/Disney announced that Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan were returning to the American Idol judges table for season 24 (Nine seasons on ABC), there was no word on the fate of long-time host, Ryan Seacrest.
Unnamed sources said that Ryan was still working out the details of his contract, and would announce his return at a later date. In fact, it’s not the first time Ryan and the judges announcing their deals separately, ahead of the new season.
Now, it’s official. ABC/Disney announced on Tuesday (September 9) that Ryan will return to the iconic singing competition as host. The Wheel of Fortune and iHeartradio host is the only cast member who has served in all 24 seasons of the show. I can’t imagine a world where ABC/DIsney does not throw a boatload of money at Ryan to keep him on board.
American Idol season 24 premieres on ABC and Hulu midseason 2026.
American Idol has ranked as a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC
According to a press release, American Idol has ranked as a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC, ending on a high note with last season’s finale ranking No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earning the best Total Viewer audience in two years. The series continues to dominate on social media as the No. 1 Most Social Reality Series across TV so far in 2025, collecting 1.65-plus billion social video views this year. Season 8 winner Jamal Roberts’ first single, “Heal,” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.
Season 24 auditions are currently underway with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.
“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):
- Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sep 9)
- Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sep 11)
- East Coast open call (Sep 12)
- The South open call (Sep 15)
- Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sep 16)
- West and Midwest open call (Sep 18)
- Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sep 19)
- Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sep 22)
- Nationwide open call (Sep 24)
For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. For full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, please visit the website.
