IDOL UPDATE: SEACREST, IN

Ryan Seacrest will return as the host of American Idol when it launches on ABC.

Seacrest and Kelly Ripa announced the news today on their daily ABC talk show Live With Kelly and Ryan.

Seacrest, who hosted the singing competition for all 15 of its seasons on Fox, said "It's genuinely hard to put into words what ‘American Idol' means to me. I'm so grateful for the show and all the career and life opportunities it's allowed me to experience.

“To be asked to return this year, at my new home at Disney|ABC, is an honor, if not a bit surreal. I believe ABC is the perfect home for Idol, and I've every confidence the show's legions of fans will love it—especially Idol's best traditions of showcasing heartwarming stories, remarkable talent discovery, and, best of all, making dreams come true."

To ease Seacrest’s schedule, which includes his morning radio show as well as the New York-based talk show, it appears American Idol will air on Sunday nights, and continue to be shot in L.A.

To date, only Katy Perry has been announced as a judge.