Ryan Seacrest is returning as host to American Idol when it returns to the airwaves in 2018, this time on ABC. Seacrest made the announcement Thursday (July 20th) on Live with Kelly and Ryan and his morning syndicated radio show, On Air With Ryan Seacrest.

“It was like I broke up with someone,” Ryan admits of when Idol ended last year. “Then there were these rumors it was going to come back…and my tail started wiggling. And last night I found out — I’m going to host American Idol.”

News of Seacrest returning to the series was first rumored around the time he signed on as host to the Live franchise earlier this year. Seacrest assures fans he will continue hosting Live With Kelly and Ryan, On Air with Ryan Seacrest and American Top 40, along with his Idol duties. The scenario would most likely require Seacrest to jet set across the U.S. from New York City to Los Angeles once or twice per week, depending on how ABC handles the show.

Katy Perry signs as ‘American Idol’ judge

Katy Perry is the first judge to sign for the newly rebooted series. While no others have officially been announced, Variety reports that Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, and Fantasia Barrino, many of whom are Idol alums, are rumored to be joining Perry at the judges table.

The nationwide search for the next superstar kicks off on Thursday, August 17th, as the Idol Bus jumps into gear across America, offering hopefuls the chance to audition for a shot at superstardom. From Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, American Idol will search every corner of the nation in its pursuit for talent. Auditioning has never been easier, with the series also taking to the internet, offering hopefuls the opportunity to submit audition videos online at americanidol.com or by showing off their talent via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.