Ryan Seacrest has officially announced he will host American Idol's revival.
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The big news Seacrest has signed on to host American Idol's sixteenth season when it airs on ABC was announced Thursday morning on Live with Kelly and Ryan.
"I've been waiting and waiting [to say this]. We've been talking about it for a little while. But I am happy to confirm with absolute confirmation that Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of American Idol!" Ripa, 46, said on the talk show.
"Absolutely, without a doubt... I am very, very excited," Seacrest noted. "It's gonna be the best time."
ABC announced in May the network would be bringing back American Idol, which aired its Season 15 finale in 2016 on Fox. Fox premiered Idol back in 2002 and all of the seasons were hosted by Seacrest.
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Katy Perry will definitely serve as a judge on the panel, as she accepted a $25 million offer, but no other judges have been confirmed as of now.
A source recently told Us that rocker and former Idol finalist Chris Daughtry will join the lineup of judges, while TMZ reported last month Lionel Richie was also in talks about joining the show.
Seacrest's announcement follows weeks of speculation about his Idol return.
Seacrest reportedly had roller-coaster financial negotiations with ABC and FreMantle North America and additionally worried he'd have too much on his plate since Live with Kelly and Ryan films on the East Coast and American Idol films on the West Coast.
"I believe ABC is the perfect home for Idol," Seacrest said in a Thursday statement.
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"And I've every confidence the show's legions of fans will love it, especially Idol's best traditions of showcasing heartwarming stories, remarkable talent discovery, and, best of all, making dreams come true."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest asked for a contract between $10-15 million as well as the title of an executive producer.
"I've always loved the show," Seacrest had told The Reporter in June. "And if I could do it forever, I would do it forever... Who am I if not the American Idol guy?"
American Idol's auditions are reportedly set to begin in mid-August and stop in 19 cities.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski