‘American Idol’ Reboot Update: Ryan Seacrest Close To Finalizing Deal With ABC?

Ryan Seacrest is reportedly close sealing the deal to be the host of the “American Idol” reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the host of the original “American Idol,” which aired on FOX, is currently in talks to return to the upcoming reboot. But this time around, Seacrest will no longer be working with FOX. Last month, ABC outbid FOX and NBC for the reboot.

Read: Will Paula Abdul return as judge in “American Idol” reboot?

While speaking with the publication, Seacrest said that he has always loved “American Idol,” so if he could still be the host for the singing reality TV competition, he would definitely get on board. “Who am I if not the ‘American Idol’ guy? I’ve always loved the show. And if I could do it forever, I would do it forever,” he said.

“American Idol” aired for a total of 15 seasons. In April 2016, Seacrest uttered his famous spiel at the end of the finale episode. “One more time, we say to you from Hollywood, good night, America,” he said. But his statement ended with what appeared to be a cliffhanger when he added, “For now.”

When asked if he already had an idea that “American Idol” would be revived by another network eventually, Seacrest said that he ended his speech with what some thought to be a cliffhanger because he has always believed that “American Idol” was still loved by many. “‘Idol’ was still firing on cylinders, even if it wasn’t firing all of the cylinders of its heyday, and it still had a fan base. So, part of me, while not having had any real conversations about it, believed that somehow, somewhere, ‘American Idol’ would come back,” he explained.

As of late, the “American Idol” reboot is rumored to premiere on ABC sometime in 2018. Only Katy Perry has been confirmed as judge. Original judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul are also being linked to the revival. But Cowell said that he doesn’t think he will ever be part of “American Idol” again. Abdul, on the other hand, is open to the idea of returning. Jackson joked about replacing Seacrest as host, but never said anything about officially returning as judge.