Ryan Seacrest back as host of ‘Idol’ when it returns on ABC

NEW YORK — Seacrest in! Ryan Seacrest will be back hosting “American Idol” when it returns for its first season on ABC. that Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of ‘American Idol,’” said Ripa as the studio audience whooped. “I thought, ‘Gosh, it would be great to get back together at some point.’” Seacrest had a grand history with “Idol” during its smash-hit run on Fox from 2002 through 2016. ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey called Seacrest’s talent “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.” On Fox, “Idol” dominated TV in the 2000s and minted stars like Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson, while making its judges, such as Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, household names.