Ryan Seacrest To Return To ‘American Idol’ On ABC

America’s favorite host will be returning to the post that brought him to prominence. Ryan Seacrest confirmed Thursday that he will resume his hosting duties on the ABC reboot of the singing competition show American Idol.

Although the return of the hit show was announced in May, speculation over Seacrest’s involvement was shoddy at best. The Idol alum had just started a new gig on Live With Kelly and Ryan – which also airs on ABC – and had been penciled in to host Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Additionally, Seacrest has a morning radio show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, which he broadcasts daily.

Nonetheless, the host made the announcement on Live Thursday, much to the excitement of his co-host Kelly Rippa. 

“I can confirm with absolute confirmation … that Ryan Seacrest is returning as the host of American Idol,” Rippa said.

Seacrest took to Twitter earlier in the morning to tease the announcement.

“Got some big news and I can’t wait to share. Flip on @LiveKellyRyan right now :),” Seacrest wrote.

He spent the rest of his day on Twitter confirming that he would continue to co-host Live and broadcast his radio show daily.

Seacrest hinted at both the show’s and his return on the final episode of Idol‘s 15-season run on Fox back in 2016.

“And one more time – this is so tough – we say to you from Hollywood, goodnight, America…for now,” the host said to close out the series.

Idol‘s ABC reboot is coming together slowly but surely with the addition of Seacrest. Although the show’s most famous and ruthless judge Simon Cowell has said that he will not return – he feels that the magic of the early days cannot be recreated with his involvement – superstar singer Katy Perry has been confirmed as the reboot’s first judge.

“I’m spicy, @RyanSeacrest is seasoned! All the right ingredients are coming together on @AmericanIdol. Have YOU auditioned?” Perry tweeted Thursday.

American Idol‘s 16th season will begin on ABC in August. No other judges have been announced.