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RYAN SEACREST RETURNS AS HOST OF ICONIC SINGING COMPETITION SERIES 'AMERICAN IDOL'

Cross-Country Audition Tour Currently Under Way

Emmy(R) Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest will keep tradition alive by returning as host of the iconic music competition series "American Idol," a role he's held since the inception of the franchise in 2002. He reunites with previously announced music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as in-house mentor, Bobby Bones.

Since first stepping onto the "Idol" stage 17 years ago, Seacrest has become one of the most recognizable fixtures in pop culture and media, also serving as co-host and executive producer on ABC's top-rated, nationally syndicated "Live with Kelly and Ryan," as well as ABC's annual live show "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest."

Seacrest will also continue hosting and executive producing "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," his market-topping No. 1 nationally syndicated L.A. morning drive-time radio show for iHeartMedia's 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally syndicated Top 40 radio show from his iHeart studio at New York's ABC7, home of "Live."

"'American Idol' has been my home for 17 seasons and I can't wait to return to the stage," said Seacrest. "It's the greatest gift to be able to play a part in discovering new talent with a franchise that has been such a relevant part of American culture for so many years."

"We are delighted that our entire 'Idol' dream team will be reuniting for the upcoming season on ABC," said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. "Ryan has been hosting 'Idol' since the beginning, and the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the show after 17 seasons are remarkable. We can't wait to see what's in store as Ryan, our superstar judges and in-house mentor set out on their nationwide search for the next great music sensation."

"I'm thrilled that Ryan is returning to 'American Idol,'" said executive producer and showrunner Trish Kinane. "His passion for the show is evident, and we couldn't imagine searching for the next generation of superstars without him."

"Since the very beginning everyone who has ever stepped onto the 'American Idol' stage has done so with Ryan Seacrest's support and guidance," said executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman on behalf of Industrial Media's 19 Entertainment. "We are lucky to call him our partner and proud to call him our friend. We are thrilled that the next American Idol can rely on Ryan guiding them along their way to stardom."

The nationwide "American Idol" audition tour concludes this weekend with an open call in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 21. In addition to auditioning in person, hopefuls can also submit audition videos online or show off their talent via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #TheNextIdol. You must be at least 15 years old to audition. Please visit www.americanidol.com/auditions for more details on specific audition locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, terms and conditions.

"American Idol" is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media's 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include Fremantle's Trish Kinane, also serving as showrunner, Jennifer Mullin & Megan Wolflick, with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

About ABC Entertainment

ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including "Grey's Anatomy," the longest-running medical drama in prime-time television; riveting dramas "The Good Doctor," "How to Get Away with Murder," "A Million Little Things" and "Station 19"; the Emmy(R) Award-winning "Modern Family" and trailblazing comedy favorites "American Housewife," "black-ish," "Bless This Mess," "The Conners," "The Goldbergs," and "Schooled"; the popular "Summer Fun & Games" programming block, including "Card Sharks," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Holey Moley" and "Press Your Luck"; star-making sensation "American Idol"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank"; "The Bachelor" franchise; long-running hits "Dancing with the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos"; "General Hospital," which has aired for more than 55 years on the network; and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"; as well as the critically acclaimed hit special "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons.'" The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including "The Oscars(R)," "The CMA Awards" and the "American Music Awards." ABC programming can also be viewed on ABC.com, the ABC app and Hulu.

About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. A global entertainment powerhouse, Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries. Fremantle produces in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, roll out more than 70 formats and air 400 programs a year worldwide. The group distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories. Fremantle is also a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, with more than 370 million subscribers across 1,500 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, content and digital, itself a division of the international media giant Bertelsmann.

About Industrial Media

Industrial Media is an independent production group launched with the acquisition of The Intellectual Property Company by the reorganized companies of CORE Media Group. Through its ownership interests in established industry leaders including Sharp Entertainment, The Intellectual Property Corporation, B-17 Entertainment, Thumb Candy, and 19 Entertainment as well as overall deals with top production companies such as Momentum Content and Fairhaven Films, Industrial Media produces high-quality programming for linear television and digital platforms reaching audiences worldwide. Key programs include the global hit "American Idol" co-produced by 19 Entertainment for ABC and "So You Think You Can Dance" co-produced by 19 Entertainment for Fox, Sharp Entertainment's "90 Day Fiancé" franchise for TLC and The Intellectual Property Corporation's Emmy(R)-winning hit documentary series "Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath" for A&E. Industrial Media companies currently produce over 52 series across 34 networks annually. Additionally, Industrial Media's 19 Recordings has launched the music careers of platinum artists including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Phillip Phillips, Lauren Alaina and recent "American Idol" winners Maddie Poppe and Laine Hardy. Industrial Media is backed by the private equity firm Crestview Partners, BlackRock Asset Management, and the United Talent Agency. For more details, visit www.industrial-media.com.