Ryan Seacrest Confirms Return As American Idol Host For Season 24 — Who Else Is Coming Back?

Our long national nightmare is over: Ryan Seacrest is confirmed to return as host of American Idol for Season 24, TVLine has learned.

This news comes as the ABC competition show is set to kick off its "Idol Across America" auditions, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9 with hopefuls from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington. (A full breakdown of the audition touring schedule can be found on Idol's official website.)

In case you missed the previous news about Idol's judging panel, allow us to catch you up: all three current judges — Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood — are confirming to be returning for Season 24. Bryan and Richie have been part of the judges' panel since Idol debuted on ABC in Season 16, making this their ninth season judging together. Underwood, who was first introduced to Idol viewers as the winner of Season 4, made her debut as a judge in Season 23; she took over from Katy Perry, who sat between Bryan and Richie for Seasons 16 through 22.

"I think she brought so much," Idol showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick told TVLine of Underwood's debut season back in May. "She really had to carve out her own role. She was stepping into the shoes of a former judge, but she needed to be her own person, and she definitely did that. I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed. She knows back in her day how hard she was pushed every week to become the best. So I think she's brought a lot to the show, and I hope people love it. She's a bit of a discovery, too. I mean, who knew she was such a metal head?"

Idol wrapped Season 23 in May with the crowning of Jamal Roberts, who bested fellow finalists Breanna Nix and John Foster for the win.

Season 24 of American Idol is expected to premiere sometime in early 2026. Are you relieved to hear that Seacrest and the entire judges' panel are returning? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.