Television May 10, 2017
Ryan Seacrest in Early Talks to Return to ‘American Idol’
“American Idol” is headed to ABC in the spring, and Ryan Seacrest could be back as host!
A source confirmed to “Extra” that Ryan is in early discussions to return to the reality show he hosted for 15 years before it wrapped in 2016.
Seacrest told "Extra" as he was heading to work on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" on Thursday, "I would love to do it, but I got this job right now."
Seacrest already has a lot on his plate with his new gig on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” as well as his many other projects, including his daily radio show “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and producing duties for E!
Ryan gushed about working with Kelly Ripa, who approves of his possible return to "American Idol," saying, "The best... she is the best."
Seacrest commented on rumors of his return on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” on Monday, saying, “I had said at the end of the series, 'Good-bye for now,' hoping somewhere it would come back. I had no idea it was being talked about to come here until late last week I heard a rumor in the news and made a phone call, and they said, 'Yeah, it may actually end up here.' And I said, 'Well, that's kind of good to know since I work here.' So what I do know is, apparently it's unofficial but very close to being said it will be here. I don't know if I can host it…"
News of Ryan's possible return comes on the heels of reports that ABC is eyeing Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson as a judge. TMZ reports that there is “serious interest” in Clarkson, whose team is reportedly opening up her schedule for the show.
Of the rumors, Ryan said, "She's the first, she's the original... man, she'd be amazing."
A day earlier, Demi Lovato told "Extra" that she would be interested in being a judge on the show.