Ryan Seacrest Responds to Rumors of 'American Idol' Reboot, Kelly Ripa Insists He Should Host Again
It seems everyone is down for an American Idol revival.
Ryan Seacrest started his second week as the new permanent co-host of Live, and addressed the rumors that the singing competition show -- which he hosted for all 15 seasons -- would return to TV. On Friday, a source told ET that Seacrest might consider hosting Idol again if it were ever to return, and his new co-host, Kelly Ripa, fully support this decision.
"I think this has to happen," she said, referring to a report that ABC is nearing deal to bring back the show and have it produced in New York City, where Live is taped. "I went into seclusion when American Idol was canceled. Are you going to host it? Please tell me yes."
"Whatever you want. You’re my work wife! I say yes and bow to you," Seacrest responded. "No, I don’t know about that part yet. We haven’t gotten that far. This was news to me last week. I had said at the end of the series, 'Goodbye for now' -- hoping somewhere it would come back."
Further encouraging Seacrest to take the job, Ripa quipped, "I have to tell you, typically I only save prayers for world peace or people who are very sick and stuff like that, but I am gonna start a prayer circle. I was, like, your original fan."
"I don’t know if I can host it," Seacrest admitted. "Do you know the preparation I have to do for [Live] every night?"
Ripa wouldn't take no for an answer. "Yes you can, you can! I know that you’re busy in the mornings, I get it. I understand its hard doing double duty -- you’ve got the radio show, you’ve got this. But your nights are free you don’t have that much to do. You can do this!" she exclaimed. "You can disconnect for that! On the days where it is the day after, I will totally ...you won’t even have to think, I will do it all!"
Last week, a source close to FremantleMedia -- the production company behind Idol -- told ET that it's "entirely possible to do American Idol in New York City," where Seacrest resides during the week. "It could be more costly, but worth it," the source said. "Everyone knows that Ryan is the glue that keeps the show together."
"A reboot without him is almost unthinkable," the source added. "The fans want the show to come back and they want it with Ryan.”
In addition to addressing Idol rumors, the co-hosts also revealed that they're taking the show on the road to Niagra Falls in Canada, starting the week of Monday, June 5. Megyn Kelly is also set to start hosting her competing morning show on NBC in June.
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