Ryan Seacrest Noticeably Absent From ‘American Idol’ Season 24 Announcement
on Aug 25, 2025
Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie are returning as judges for Season 24 of American Idol, but it’s unclear if host Ryan Seacrest will join them.
American Idol announced Monday (August 25) that Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie will be taking their place at the judging table for the new season slated to air next spring. But a familiar face was missing from the announcement.
In past years, longtime host Ryan Seacrest’s return was announced in conjunction with the judge announcement. But this year, Seacrest’s fate has not yet been revealed.
Numerous outlets are reporting that Seacrest is expected to return, but an official announcement has not been made.
Why wouldn’t Ryan Seacrest return to American Idol?
Ryan Seacrest is arguably one of the busiest men in show business. He has hosted American Idol since the show’s inception in 2002, and remains the only member of the on-air team to appear on every season.
Since his career began in 1993, Seacrest has often juggled numerous roles. Some of his gigs include hosting his own radio show, hosting and producing Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and hosting a morning talk show, Kelly & Ryan, alongside Kelly Ripa. He left Kelly & Ryan in 2023, citing the fact that he lives in Los Angeles and the show is filmed in New York City as the reason for his departure.
In 2024, Ryan took over as host of Wheel of Fortune, replacing veteran host Pat Sajak, who retired after 41 seasons.
He continues to host his self-titled radio talk show and is under contract with iHeartMedia through 2025.
Could Seacrest’s many commitments lead him away from American Idol?
American Idol Season 24 Judges
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were brought on as judges for the show’s 16th season in 2018 when Idol officially moved from Fox to ABC. Carrie Underwood joined the team in 2024, replacing pop star Katy Perry who judged for six seasons.
Carrie Underwood won American Idol Season 4 in 2005 and went on to become one of the greatest success stories in the show’s history. Her addition to the show brought experience and insight that no judge before her could offer contestants.
Season 24 auditions will kick off on Tuesday (August 26). The new season is expected to air in early 2026.
