Is Ryan Seacrest Out At ‘American Idol’ Season 24?
American Idol fans have been eagerly waiting for news about the upcoming season. The popular singing competition returns in 2026 with Season 24. ABC revealed which judges are returning, but what about Ryan Seacrest? Will he return as host? Keep reading for all the details.
American Idol Announces Returning Judges
The wait is finally over. Ahead of the start of Season 24’s hunt for the next big star, ABC revealed which judges are returning. While some fans hoped for a shakeup, all three of the judges from last season are returning.
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are the judges for the upcoming season. The “Idol Across America” open casting call kicks off on September 3 nationwide, with other dates in select cities.
Fans Not Happy With One Judge
Carrie Underwood joining American Idol as a judge for Season 32 was a full-circle moment. She won the fourth season in 2005. The singing competition launched a successful career for the singer. Whether she would return or not was a topic of conversation for the last few months.
But not everyone wanted to see her back as a judge. Check out some of the comments on the ABC’s social media post announcing the judges for Season 24.
- “It’s unfortunate that they are bringing Carrie back.”
- “Not Carrie again!!!!🤦♀️She is just not good for idol!🙄”
- “Why would you guys bring Carrie back. She doesn’t get it”
- “Carrie was not a good judge.”
- “Off all people why her you can tell her face expressions when she doesn’t like someone, she looks like she is smelling a farts, “ enjoy the season guys”
- “Ugh. Should’ve replaced Carrie”
- “Meghan Trainor or Demi Lovato would be a great replacement for Carrie”
What About Ryan Seacrest?
American Idol has changed networks and judges in its many years on TV. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is the host. Ryan Seacrest has hosted the show since it premiered on Fox in 2002. He had a co-host for the first season but Brian Dunkleman left after one season.
ABC released a promo revealing the three judges. “The three judges are back for another amazing season of Idol University,” Lionel Richie announced in the video. “The only thing missing is you,” he said.
Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan chimed in with “you!” But what’s really missing is Ryan Seacrest. He’s not in the promo or mentioned in ABC’s social media announcements about the returning judges.
Fans are worried that Ryan Seacrest is leaving the show after twenty-three seasons. He has a packed schedule. He hosts Wheel of Fortune and a radio show.
ABC hasn’t given any indication that Ryan Seacrest is being replaced. Multiple outlets contacted the network for comment but haven’t heard back. It’s possible he wasn’t included in the promos so far because the promos were about the returning judges.
Do you think Ryan Seacrest will return to host Season 24 of American Idol?
