Ryan Seacrest to Host ‘American Idol’ Revival While Still Appearing on ‘Live’ With Kelly Ripa

It seems Ryan Seacrest will just do both! During Live With Kelly and Ryan on Thursday, July 20, the TV star announced he is joining the American Idol revival as the show’s host again!

“I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a 15-year relationship, and then — for a reason you don’t really know — you break up!” Ryan, 42, said of his big return. “And I thought, ‘Gosh, it would be great to get back together at some point.'”

Channing Dungey, ABC Entertainment president, is very much looking forward to Ryan’s return as well. “So much of American Idol‘s overwhelming success can be attributed to Ryan, whose larger-than-life personality and laudable dedication to creating quality entertainment has made him a true master of his craft,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “His talent is 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.”

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In June, Ryan opened up about how ABC offered him a deal right before he officially joined Live With Kelly, but after a long debate, he decided to host with Kelly Ripa on the morning talk show. “I’ve always loved the show,” he told The Hollywood Reporter of American Idol. “And if I could do it forever, I would do it forever.”

At that time Ryan felt it was appropriate to move on, but he’s clearly changed his mind since. “Who am I if not the American Idol guy?” Ryan asked. “I had so many walls up in my own head about my life in LA and my role in LA,” he added of his big move to NYC. “I’ve figured out what I’m better at and what I’m not so good at, and I’m doing the things that I’m better at. The things that I’m not so good at would make me tired and would make me want to slow down.”

Ryan on American Idol.

However, they are going to make it work so Ryan is able to focus on both of his show roles. “The contestants will also be here [on Live] after they’re eliminated,” Ryan shared. So exciting!

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In a previous interview, former judge Randy Jackson admitted that he was once asked to take over Ryan’s job as host in the reboot. “They wanted me to take Ryan Seacrest’s job, because they said ‘Look man, look, you got it. You know how to do it, dog,'” he previously told Entertainment Tonight of the music competition’s iconic host. “I would only host with Ryan. He’s my friend. You know let’s see — Kelly [Ripa] and Ryan, Ryan, and Randy. Oh man. It’s gonna work man. I feel it!”!

Click through the gallery below to see the American Idol judges through the years!