Ryan Seacrest Returns to 'American Idol'

Seacrest is very much in.

After many months of negotiations, the longtime host of American Idol has finalized a deal to return to the franchise that made him a star. He joins Katy Perry, the only confirmed judge, on the ABC reboot, which is expected to roll out with heavy fanfare this spring. He used his other TV platform, Live with Kelly & Ryan, to make the announcement Thursday. Well, co-host Kelly Ripa actually made the announcement, but Seacrest insisted it was "absolutely" confirmed, "without a doubt."

After a few minutes spent talking about the hot weather in New York, Ripa excitedly announced that Seacrest would be returning as host after checking with her co-host that she could reveal the big news.

Seacrest said going back to the show would be like returning to a 15-year relationship while Ripa praised him for knowing how to deal with contestants who have just received the devastating news that they have been voted off. Ripa also indicated that she knew about the news the night before as her daughter was asking her if Seacrest could get them tickets to the finale.

Read the rest of this article at The Hollywood Reporter.

Ryan Seacrest also hosts Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest.