United States Jan 27 (ABC) :Ryan Seacrest says thoughts of legacy are not on his mind, even after more than two decades as the face of American Idol, as he prepares to return once again for the show’s latest season.
Speaking to People on the Nashville press line ahead of Season 9, the longtime host said he has never seriously considered how history might remember his role on the iconic singing competition.
“That’s a big question. I haven’t thought about legacy yet,” Seacrest said.
Instead, he explained that his focus has always been on creating a welcoming and easy-going experience for viewers at home. According to Seacrest, his aim is to make the show enjoyable for audiences of all ages and something families can comfortably watch together.
“I want people to feel relaxed watching the show,” he said. “That sense of comfort, like you’ve known each other for a long time, even if you’ve never met — that’s really the job of a host.”
Seacrest, who has been with American Idol since its debut in 2002, said his motivation to keep returning comes from meeting a new generation of contestants each season. Many, he noted, grew up watching the programme and have dreamed for years of standing on the audition stage.
He also highlighted how the show has evolved, particularly in terms of representation, which has encouraged more people to take part.
“So many contestants tell us they never thought the show was for someone like them,” he said. “But then they saw an artist who didn’t fit a cookie-cutter image and thought, ‘Maybe I can do this.’ That shift has been really powerful.”
Despite changes in judges and contestants over the years, Seacrest said his approach as a host remains the same: read the room, stay flexible and help performers feel at ease.
“When the live shows start, we may have a plan, but it rarely goes exactly that way,” he said. “You roll with it, react in the moment and have fun with the judges — that’s the formula.”
Season 9 of American Idol features Seacrest alongside judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood. The season premiered on ABC on Monday, January 26, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.