Ryan Seacrest Releases Statement On ‘American Idol’ Cancellation

Earlier today (May 11), FOX announced that American Idol would be wrapping things up after a final season in 2016. The trio of Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. will return for their third season together as judges, while mainstay Ryan Seacrest will continue his hosting duties for the show’s 15th and final run.

Throughout the show’s carousel of personalities, Seacrest was the sole constant, an even-keeled presence among all the off-screen drama and on-screen theatrics. He was there for the series’ 2002 debut, sharing hosting duties with Brian Dunkleman that first season, before taking the reins and using the gig to launch his multimedia domination. So it’s only natural that he released a statement today reacting to the news. Check it out below:

“American Idol has been a big part of my life for so long, it’s frankly hard to imagine it without it. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of a show that made television history in countless ways. It’s a show about chasing and fulfilling dreams, and truth be told, it helped some of my own dreams come true too.

All the American Idol producers, judges, crew and everyone at Fox have been heroic in their efforts to create, produce and sustain such a groundbreaking show for so many years. I’m so glad they’re going to give us a season-long send off. The last season will undoubtedly be a special and emotional one, but first I’m looking forward to closing out Season 14. The finale is always my favorite part – two live shows with lots of surprises, and, of course, one winner!”

Such a pro, even using his heartfelt statement to drum up hype for the end of the current lame-duck season. Seacrest also dropped this gem on Twitter:

you guys I was 27 when we started idol…just a kid pic.twitter.com/iZ3Dvv7m5k

— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 11, 2015

One piece of his legacy that he left out, which we’ll slide right back into the mix, is this career highlight:

Ryan Seacrest, you will be missed. Thankfully, we will still be able to catch you basically anywhere else where there’s a camera or radio mic.