American Idol has 'closed deal' with ABC... as Ryan Seacrest is likely set to host
American Idol has closed a deal with ABC according to a new report.
The Disney-owned network is expected to make the announcement about acquiring the reality competition show according to a Saturday morning report from TMZ. Â
And perhaps a familiar face is set to host as Ryan Seacrest is reportedly 'likely' set to return.
New home: American Idol has closed a deal with ABC according to a new report from TMZÂ
Just days after being announced as permanent host to Live With Kelly And Ryan, the  42-year-old host is rumored to be returning according to a Friday report from TMZ.
One hurdle may be that Ryan's new gig has him in New York City and the reality competition show films in LA but the publication insists that distance could be overcome with some clever planning.
Fremantle produces the show and allegedly has always wanted Seacrest to return as host of Idol and as they are reportedly far along in negotiations with ABC, it could be a perfect fit.
Signature gig: Ryan Seacrest is seen as the 'franchise' to American Idol and the media mogul could also be returning according to a Friday report from TMZ
According to TMZ, the Disney-owned network inquired if the show could actually be filmed in the Big Apple but Fremantle shot down that idea and insisted that it had to be done in LA.
 As Fremantle is keen on having the show on Sundays, it could make things very interesting if the television personality wanted to juggle both gigs.
It appears to be pure speculation, however, as TMZ reports that ABC has not reached out to Seacrest about the possible hosting gig.Â
Man of many talents: The 42-year-old television personality just started his gig at Live With Kelly And Ryan this week
Jetset: As he films Live in New York and Idol is shot in LA that could pose as a challenge for Ryan but TMZ insists that clever planning could make a reality, as he is pictured at LAX in 2015
On Friday night a deal was reportedly 'in place' to bring the show onto the ABC network, according to Variety.
Production house FremantleMedia and co-owner Core Media Group are said to be near an agreement with ABC for the singing competition show to return as soon as March 2018.Â
But Fox is putting in an 'insane' offer to bring the show back to it's original network, according to TMZ.Â
The website reports that Core and Fremantle are open to both offers and that it's 'all about the deal.'Â
Interesting:Â Fremantle produces the show and allegedly has always wanted Seacrest to return as host of Idol and as they are reportedly far along in negotiations with ABC, it could be a perfect fit
Both networks are said to be keen on having Seacrest return as host, which will be an uphill challenge as he is committed to hosting Live with Kelly Ripa in New York, which also airs on ABC.
As for the judging panel, Kelly Clarkson is one of the names being 'floated' around for the reboot, according to Variety.Â
She is of course the original American Idol, taking the first season title in 2002, and has gone on to achieve massive pop music success with hits like Since U Been Gone and Stronger.
In it's fifteenth and 'final' season, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr judged the competition.
The original Idol: Kelly Clarkson, who took the first American Idol title in 2002, has been 'floated around' as a possible name attached to the reboot
J-Lo herself doubted that it was the end of Idol when she was asked about the show's cancellation at a press conference in 2015, according to Billboard.
'I'm sad about the show ending, of course. Do I believe it's really ending? I have not come to terms with that yet, it might not.'
Continuing to cast her doubt, Jennifer added, 'You never know. You never know with these things.'Â
Panel: Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr sat on the show's final judging panel, Jennifer doubted the show was over forever in 2015 saying 'You never know with these things'
Â
- ¿American Idol¿: Deal in Place at ABC (EXCLUSIVE) | Variety
- 'American Idol' Gets 'Insane' Offer from FOX | TMZ.com
- Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Her New Las Vegas Show - YouTube
- 'American Idol' Goes to ABC with Ryan Seacrest the Likely Host | TMZ.com
- Ryan Seacrest Could End Up Hosting the New 'American Idol' | TMZ.com
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