American Idolhas featured host Ryan Seacrest since it began in 2002, but, now that he’s also hostingWheel of Fortune, I think it’s time for him to leave the reality singing competition series to refresh it with a new host.Ryan debuted onAmerican Idolseason 1with co-host Brian Dunkleman, and became the sole host of the show beginning with season 2. He’s witnessed the crowning of legendary champions such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, as well as the meteoric rises to fame of contestants such as Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, and Adam Lambert.
Ryan is known for being one of the hardest working people in show business. With his many hosting gigs, includingAmerican Idol, American Top 40, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin' Eve,andLive with Kelly and Ryan, he’s established himself as one of the greatest emcees.In September 2024, Ryan replaced long-time and belovedWheel of Fortunehost Pat Sajak when he retired. Ryan has been doing a phenomenal job as the host ofWheel of Fortune, so I think it’s time for him to focus on that andmove on fromAmerican Idoland give someone else a chance to host.
American Idol Needs A Host Refresh
The Change At The Judges' Table Proves The Show Needs Even More Retooling
After over two decades on the air,American Idolhas undergone many changes, butthe one constant has been Ryan. He’s been cheering on the contestants at the auditions, helping them through Hollywood Week, and keeping the show on track during the live episodes for over twenty years, and he’s excellent at what he does. However, I believe that the change in judges after seven seasons, as Carrie Underwood replaced Katy Perry, proved that the show could use a host refresh too.
Having a shakeup at the judges' table after watching seven seasons of Katy, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie proved to me that the show should be retooled every once in a while in order to keep it fresh, as it has with other judging changes in the past. Although I loved having Katy on the show, I think that Carrie has brought a fresh and new perspective that’s revived Luke and Lionel’s passion for the show as well. After twenty years,some people have tired ofAmerican Idol, but I think thata fresh face as the host could be just what the show needs to breathe new life into it.
I think thatthe best choice for a new host would be anAmerican Idolalum. Someone like Kelly Clarkson or Jennifer Hudson, who already hosts their own talk show, could be phenomenal. In addition, alums with big personalities such as Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, or Lauren Alaina could also spice up the show after all these years. While Ryan is superb at what he does, his hosting has become predictable, so bringing in a new person to emcee the show could really make things exciting again.
Ryan Has Done All He Can With American Idol
Ryan’s Time With The Show Has Run Its Course
While some might say that havingRyan as the host ofAmerican Idolover the past two decades has been a source of comfort because he’s the one constant in the ever-changing series, I think his time with the show has run its course. I believe thathe’s done all that he can with the role, and he sometimes seems as though he’s going through the motions during the episodes after 23 seasons.
When I watch Ryan onWheel of Fortune, I see a completely different side of him.He seems excited and eager to prove himself, and completely rejuvenated. I didn’t know if he’d be able to fill Pat Sajak’s shoes, but he was a natural from the first episode, especially because of his kind way of interacting with people. I still see that side of Ryan onAmerican Idol, but there’s not much that he can bring to his role that’s fresh and new at this point. I think thatWheel of Fortuneis a better challenge for him as a host, so he should put all of his energy into it and leaveAmerican Idolto focus on it.
I know that many people would miss Ryan if he ever leftAmerican Idol, but I also believe that the show could benefit from a new host. It might even be a good idea to have more than one person host the show, like in season 1, tobring different perspectives to theAmerican Idolstage.Ryan has done a spectacular job with the show over the past 23 seasons, but I think it’s time for someone else to take over the reins in the future.
American Idolairs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
