Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Ryan Seacrest with the American Idol judging panel of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan (ABC Photo)

ABC announced Friday that Ryan Seacest has signed on as host for the upcoming season.

Back in August, the show announced Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan would be returning.

So will show mentor Bobby Bones.

That’s great news for the folks with Idol, who clearly reclaimed the distinction of putting on TV’s most entertaining singing show during Season 17.

But from my perspective, that had little to do with the judges — quite frankly, more insightful critiques would be a welcome addition — and everything to do with the show’s format.

The show found a talented cast entering their musical prime, put the focus on those singers and then let fans hear them sing, week after week, after week.

It added up to an entertaining Season 17 — one far more deserving of an Emmy nomination than the nomination The Voice received.

Here’s hoping the same will be true of Season 18.

But, gee, it would have seemed odd having someone else host Idol.

Said Ryan in the ABC press release announcing his return: “It’s the greatest gift to be able to play a part in discovering new talent with a franchise that has been such a relevant part of American culture for so many years.”