American Idol has featured host Ryan Seacrest since it began in 2002, but, now that he's also hosting Wheel of Fortune, I think it's time for him to leave the reality singing competition series in order to refresh it with a new host. Ryan debuted on American Idol season 1 with co-host Brian Dunkleman, and became the sole host of the show beginning with season 2. He's witnessed the crowning of legendary champions such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, as well as the meteoric rises to fame of contestants such as Jennifer Hudson, Katharine Mhee, Chris Daughtry, and Adam Lambert.

Ryan is known for being one of the hardest working people in show business. With his many hosting gigs, including American Idol, American Top 40, On Air with Ryan Seacrest, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, and Live with Kelly and Ryan, he's established himself as one of the greatest emcees. In September 2024, Ryan replaced long-time and beloved Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak when he retired. Ryan has been doing a phenomenal job as the host of Wheel of Fortune, so I think it's time for him to focus on that and move on from American Idol and give someone else a chance to host.

American Idol Needs A Host Refresh

The Change At The Judges' Table Proves The Show Needs Even More Retooling

After over two decades on the air, American Idol has undergone many changes, but the one constant has been Ryan. He's been cheering on the contestants at the auditions, helping them through Hollywood Week, and keeping the show on track during the live episodes for over twenty years, and he's excellent at what he does. However, I believe that the change in judges after seven seasons, as Carrie Underwood replaced Katy Perry, proved that the show could use a host refresh too.

Having a shakeup at the judges' table after watching seven seasons of Katy, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie proved to me that the show should be retooled every once in a while in order to keep it fresh, as it has with other judging changes in the past. Although I loved having Katy on the show, I think that Carrie has brought a fresh and new perspective that's revived Luke and Lionel's ion for the show as well. After twenty years, some people have tired of American Idol, but I think that a fresh face as the host could be just what the show needs to breathe new life into it.

I think that the best choice for a new host would be an American Idol alum. Someone like Kelly Clarkson or Jennifer Hudson, who already hosts their own talk show, could be phenomenal. In addition, alums with big personalities such as Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, or Lauren Alaina could also spice up the show after all these years. While Ryan is superb at what he does, his hosting has become predictable, so bringing in a new person to emcee the show could really make things exciting again.

Ryan Has Done All He Can With American Idol

Ryan's Time With The Show Has Run Its Course

While some might say that having Ryan as the host of American Idol over the past two decades has been a source of comfort because he's the one constant in the ever-changing series, I think his time with the show has run its course. I believe that he's done all that he can with the role, and he sometimes seems as though he's going through the motions during the episodes after 23 seasons.

When I watch Ryan on Wheel of Fortune, I see a completely different side of him. He seems excited and eager to prove himself, and completely rejuvenated. I didn't know if he'd be able to fill Pat Sajak's shoes, but he was a natural from the first episode, especially because of his kind way of interacting with people. I still see that side of Ryan on American Idol, but there's not much that he can bring to his role that's fresh and new at this point. I think that Wheel of Fortune is a better challenge for him as a host, so he should put all of his energy into it and leave American Idol to focus on it.

I know that many people would miss Ryan if he ever left American Idol, but I also believe that the show could benefit from a new host. It might even be a good idea to have more than one person host the show, like in season 1, to bring different perspectives to the American Idol stage. Ryan has done a spectacular job with the show over the past 23 seasons, but I think it's time for someone else to take over the reins in the future.

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.