Who better to talk about American Idol's cancellation than its loyal host Ryan Seacrest?
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Following Fox's Monday announcement the network is canceling the long-running reality TV series -- the first of its kind that launched many imitators as well as the careers of talented artists like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson -- Ryan Seacrest has opened up about Idol's end.
"American Idol has been a big part of my life for so long, it's frankly hard to imagine it without it," Seacrest, 40, told People. "It's been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways."
Seacrest has been with American Idol since the show debuted back in 2002. The show captured America's heart and made him a household name.
"It's a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true, too," said Seacrest, who according to People, became the highest-paid reality TV host to date in 2009 after signing a $45 million contract with Fox to continue hosting Idol.
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Seacrest's career absolutely exploded thanks to American Idol, and he quickly became known as the hardest working man in the entertainment industry.
Seacrest owns his own production company that produces the mega hit Keeping Up with the Kardashians. He also hosts his On-Air with Ryan Seacrest syndicated radio show, reports for E! News, hosts American Top 40, invests in multiple tech firms, and serves as host for numerous television specials such as Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve and the Olympic Games.
"All the American Idol producers, judges, crew and everyone at Fox have been heroic in their efforts to create, produce and sustain such a groundbreaking show for so many years. I'm so glad they're going to give us a season-long send-off," Seacrest explained.
Fox will air a fifteenth -- and final -- season of American Idol in January 2016.
"The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one," Seacrest said, later tweeting that it will be "unforgettable."
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As for Idol's currently-airing fourteenth season, its finale is set to air on Tuesday and Wednesday night, May 12 and 13, during which a new winner will be crowned out of Nick Fradiani, Jax and Clark Beckham.
"I'm looking forward to closing out Season 14," Seacrest told People. "The finale is always my favorite part -- two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!"
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski