RYAN SEACREST RETURNS AS HOST OF "AMERICAN IDOL"

Emmy(R) Award-nominated Ryan Seacrest will continue as host of AMERICAN IDOL, broadcast television's No. 1 show. Seacrest has served as host of AMERICAN IDOL since its debut on June 11, 2002. Over the past decade, he has guided the IDOL contestants and judges through each season's incredible journey, from the first tickets to Hollywood to every star-studded finale. Seacrest has introduced every guest performer, played referee with the judges and was the first to announce and congratulate each of the winners.

"For the last 11 seasons, I've had the privilege to be a part of one of television's most iconic shows. It's been a wild ride, and I'm excited for my journey with AMERICAN IDOL to continue," Seacrest said. "The legions of fans, amazingly talented contestants, judges, and producers, along with the hard working IDOL crew, impress me every time we go on air and make hosting the show a dream job. I especially appreciate the support and confidence of Peter Rice, Mike Darnell and the entire FOX team - as well as the support of everyone at FremantleMedia North America - and I look forward to continuing our partnership."

"Ryan is one of a kind," added Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "His ability to engage the viewers, keep the contestants at ease during intense moments and adapt to any situation, especially during the live shows, solidifies him as the absolute best in the business. He is an integral part of why AMERICAN IDOL is a true phenomenon, and we can't imagine doing this show without him."

"I am thrilled that Ryan will continue to be the face of AMERICAN IDOL. He runs the show with such expertise, warmth and charm that he makes one of the hardest jobs in television look easy," noted Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America. "He is one of the best in the business and we are lucky to have him."

"Ryan has been with AMERICAN IDOL from the very first day. I can't imagine the show without him," stated creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "He is the consummate host and an exemplary professional. Having Ryan continue to be a part of the AMERICAN IDOL family is great news for everyone."

ABOUT RYAN SEACREST

With his thriving broadcasting career and multiple ventures, Ryan Seacrest is at the forefront of the media and entertainment industry. While hosting and producing multiple television and radio programs, building his Ryan Seacrest Productions banner (RSP) into a leading entertainment production company, and managing a myriad of media investments and brand ventures, Seacrest is redefining what it means to be a successful Hollywood entrepreneur.

Seacrest holds preeminent positions in broadcast television, nationally syndicated radio, local radio and cable as both a producer and on-air host. He is celebrated internationally as host of the top-rated primetime talent showcase AMERICAN IDOL, and hosts and produces "E! News" and its red carpet awards show coverage. He also serves as an executive producer and co-host of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." He has been nominated for an Emmy Award in the "Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program" category for his work on AMERICAN IDOL, and has also hosted the live network broadcast of the Emmy Awards show. On radio, Seacrest is host of "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," his market-topping No. 1 nationally syndicated Los Angeles morning drive-time radio show for Clear Channel's 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally-syndicated Top 40 radio show.

In 2006, Seacrest launched Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP), which has since become a television production powerhouse. RSP produces the hit series "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," one of cable's highest-rated shows, and the spin-offs "Khloe and Lamar," "Kourtney and Kim Take New York" and "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami." RSP also produced the Emmy Award-winning reality series "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution." RSP recently produced two new reality series: "Melissa and Tye" and "Shahs of Sunset." In January 2012, Clear Channel acquired a minority stake in RSP.

In early 2012, Seacrest entered into a joint venture through a holding company, Ryan Seacrest Media, along with HDNet, AEG, and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to rebrand HDNet/HDNet Canada and launch AXS TV (pronounced: access). AXS TV will debut this summer, providing viewers with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to live concerts and music festivals, red carpet premieres, award shows, parties, pop culture events, and in-depth interviews with the people and artists who make live entertainment so uniquely fascinating.

Seacrest also has extensive deals with brand heavyweights Proctor & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and recently announced a strategic marketing and technology alliance with Eventful, Inc.

Seacrest, along with his family, is also committed to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children through unique programs that utilize multimedia and interactive platforms. RSF is building broadcast media centers within hospitals for children to explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media. RSF has launched two centers: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Seacrest's professional career in broadcasting began at the age of 16 when he applied for an internship at one of Atlanta's top radio stations, WSTR-STAR 94. While working at STAR 94 he finished high school and went on to attend the University of Georgia where he majored in journalism. Seacrest currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Visit www.americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.