Ryan Seacrest Continues Hosting “American Idol”
Ryan Seacrest has signed a new contract to stay on as the host of “American Idol,” marking his 24th overall season and his ninth on ABC.
The news was first reported by Hollywood Reporter, just two weeks after judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood renewed their contracts for the upcoming 2026 season.
Virtual auditions for the new season are already in progress.
Since debuting in 2002, Seacrest, now 50, has been the only host to appear on camera each season, guiding the show through various network changes and format evolutions.
Originally airing on Fox from 2002 to 2016, “American Idol” was revived by ABC in 2018. Over the years, the show has continually updated its format, introducing significant changes in auditions, voting processes, and judging panels.
There are new mentoring roles and alterations to the semi-final format, along with features like “Artist in Residence” and expanded live voting via mobile apps and social media, adaptations that emerged during the pandemic.
The new season is set to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
In the last season, “American Idol” garnered 7.25 million viewers across platforms during its five-week Sunday broadcasts. Year-over-year, the show’s audience remained stable with 5.87 million viewers on Sundays and 5.15 million on Mondays.
Produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, the series is a cornerstone for ABC. Megan Wolflick continues as the showrunner and executive producer for Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman at 19 Entertainment.
Seacrest is among the top-tier television personalities, reportedly earning about $12 million each season for “American Idol” and over $75 million annually from all his ventures. In 2024, he took over as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” succeeding Pat Sajak.
Born in Atlanta in 1974, Seacrest began his broadcasting journey as a teenager before relocating to Los Angeles at 19. Apart from “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune,” he’s a staple on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” hosts the radio show “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” and is involved with “American Top 40” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
Through Ryan Seacrest Productions, he has also directed shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” His philanthropic efforts are notable too, as the Ryan Seacrest Foundation supports children’s hospitals nationwide.
Seacrest’s net worth is estimated at between $450 million and $500 million, solidifying his standing as one of the industry’s top earners.
The show’s finale in 2025 attracted 6.51 million viewers, marking its highest ratings in two years, a 16% increase from the previous season.
Sundays saw consistent viewership above 6 million, establishing “American Idol” as the leading entertainment show during prime time.
ABC and Seacrest have been approached for comments regarding these developments.
