Ryan Seacrest re-signs with ABC to continue as ‘American Idol’ host

Ryan Seacrest has inked a new deal to stay on as host of “American Idol,” extending his run with the long-running competition through its 24th overall season and ninth on ABC.

The agreement, which was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, comes two weeks after judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood renewed their contracts for the 2026 edition.

Virtual auditions for the new cycle are already underway.

Seacrest, 50, has been the only on-camera figure to appear on every season of “American Idol” since its 2002 debut, guiding the program through network shifts and format changes.

“American Idol” aired on Fox from 2002 to 2016 before being revived on ABC in 2018. Since its inception, the show has continuously retooled its format, with major changes to auditions, voting, round structure and judge panels since its 2002 debut.

Updates have included curated pre-audition screenings, shifting semifinal formats, new mentoring roles like an “artist in residence,” expanded live voting through apps and social media and pandemic-era remote performances.

The 2026 season is scheduled to premiere in the first quarter.

Last season, “American Idol” drew 7.25 million cross-platform viewers over five weeks for its Sunday broadcasts, with Monday episodes pulling a smaller but steady audience.

The show’s seven-day linear numbers — 5.87 million on Sundays and 5.15 million on Mondays — held level with the prior year.

Produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, the series remains a flagship title for ABC.

Megan Wolflick continues as showrunner and executive producer alongside Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman of 19 Entertainment.

Seacrest is one of television’s highest-paid personalities, earning about $12 million per “Idol” season and more than $75 million annually from all projects, according to reports. In 2024, he also took over as host of “Wheel of Fortune,” replacing Pat Sajak.

Born in Atlanta in 1974, Seacrest launched his broadcast career as a teenager before moving to Los Angeles at 19.

Beyond “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune,” he has fronted “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” radio programs “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “American Top 40” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

Through Ryan Seacrest Productions, he has overseen hits like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

His philanthropic Ryan Seacrest Foundation supports pediatric hospitals nationwide.

Seacrest’s net worth is estimated between $450 million and $500 million, cementing his place as one of the industry’s top earners.

“American Idol” surged in 2025, with its May 18 season finale drawing 6.51 million viewers — the show’s biggest audience in two years and up 16% from the prior season’s closer.

The finale also hit a 0.72 rating in Adults 18-49, its strongest demo showing since March 2025.

Throughout the spring, Sunday broadcasts consistently topped 6 million viewers, making “Idol” the No. 1 entertainment program in primetime.

The Post has sought comment from ABC and Seacrest.