'American Idol' revival update: Ryan Seacrest confirms he is returning to host ABC Network's 'American Idol' reboot [VIDEO]

Ryan Seacrest has confirmed that he will be returning as host of the "American Idol" (AI) reboot, which will be aired on ABC in the 2017-18 TV season. It was officially announced on Thursday, July 20 on WABC-TV's "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Read on to learn more about it.

Kelly Ripa announces Ryan Seacrest's return to 'American Idol'

Seacrest's co-host Kelly Ripa was the one who broke the news on their show. "I've got some big news to announce. I am happy to confirm that Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of 'American Idol,'" Ripa said. She told Seacrest that he is the heart and soul of the show. "You are the only person that can host this show because you're the only person that can identify with that scenario."

Meanwhile, the "American Idol" host said that he's very excited about it. He also reminisced the first time he auditioned for the reality singing competition, which he started hosting in 2002. "I was terrified!" Seacrest said. Watch the clip at the end of the article.

ABC confirms Seacrest is coming back to host 'AI'

ABC also announced Seacrest's return to "AI" on its official website, with a statement from the show's perennial host as well as the ABC Entertainment president and Core Media Group chief executive officer (CEO). "We are thrilled to be ushering in this new era of American Idol with Ryan at the helm," ABC reports its Entertainment president Channing Dungey as saying.

"Idol wouldn't be Idol without Ryan," Peter Hurwitz, Core Media Group CEO, added. "The show's millions of devoted fans will be delighted to welcome him back to center stage on ABC."

Seacrest found it difficult to put into words what "AI" actually means to him. "I'm so grateful for the show and all the career and life opportunities it's allowed me to experience. It's been an incredible journey from day one. To be asked to return this year, at my new home at Disney|ABC, is an honor, if not a bit surreal."

"American Idol" was aired on Fox from June 11, 2002 to April 7, 2016. In 2017, Variety reported that NBC was in talks with FremantleMedia to revive the show. However, the plan didn't push through due to a dispute between Core Media Group and Fremantle. A few months after, ABC announced that it acquired the rights to "American Idol." The network also confirmed that the singing competition will return in the TV season of 2017-18.

Search for the next 'American Idol' kicks off in August 2017

The nationwide search for the next "American Idol" will kick off on Aug. 17. Once again, the Idol Bus will tour across America to provide "AI" hopefuls the chance to audition. Those who can't make it to a live audition may also submit a video online on the "American Idol" online auditions site.

Aside from continuing to host "American Idol," Seacrest will still host "On Air with Ryan Seacrest." Katy Perry will join him on "AI" as a judge. She also reacted to news about Ryan's return to the show on her official Twitter account. Check it out below.

Watch Ryan Seacrest Announces Return To 'American Idol'

LIVEKellyandRyan/YouTube

Ryan posts about his return on 'American Idol'

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