American Idol host Ryan Seacrest looks back on iconic moments and legends who shaped the show

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest companions with Health-Ade to deliver kombucha to LA Dodger Fans at Dodger Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Health-Ade)

American Idol season 24 aired its penultimate episode this week on ABC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, persevering with its sturdy run as one in every of the most beloved music exhibits on tv.

At the identical time, long-time host Ryan Seacrest talked about his long term with American Idol whereas internet hosting a particular charity occasion.

The 51-year-old host of Wheel of Fortune was in Los Angeles for a particular occasion: ͏the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s twenty ninth Annual Taste for Cure.

There, I’ve talked with PauseRewind’s Kevin Zelman and opened up on nearly 25 years of the well-known ABC show whereas main the charity evening on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Ryan Seacrest shares his “Mount Rushmore” of American Idol legends

At the occasion, Seacrest picked his private “Mount Rushmore” of American Idol icons. He stored it easy and true to the starting.

“Well it’d probably be the original team,” mentioned Seacrest. “The unique panel. The unique winner. Maybe throw Carrie [Underwood] in there too since she’s with us now. But you gotta go OG on Mount Rushmore.”

He clearly loves these early days as he added additional,

“We had such a great time. It all started 25 years ago almost now.”

Seacrest defined that the show has modified quite a bit over time with new networks, completely different judges, and recent codecs. But he mentioned the actual magic comes from the contestants every year.

“The biggest change is the group of contestants every year. You get a new cast of characters, a new cast of voices, you don’t quite know who’s going to excel, who’s going to make it the distance. And that’s always the highlight for me,” mentioned Seacrest.

When requested about his favourite second from 1000’s of hours on the show, he went straight back to the very first season.

“So many great performances, the contestants used to do those big medleys together, [but] I think when I look back, the history-making first-ever results show where I got to say ‘The winner is Kelly Clarkson,’ that will never ever get old,” shared Seacrest.

What occurred on American Idol season 24 this week: “2006 Reunion Night”

This week’s episode celebrated the Class of 2006 with a particular 2006 Reunion Night. The Top 5 contestants carried out duets with stars from Season 5 to mark the twentieth anniversary of that group.

Dancing with the Stars skilled dancers additionally joined in so as to add ballroom vitality to the performances.

Last 12 months’s winner, Jamal Roberts, got here back to carry out his new track and unique judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson returned too. Paula acted as a visitor decide, and Randy as a mentor.

The contestants sang highly effective songs and received suggestions from the present judges: Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

Meanwhile, the performances are:

• Keyla Richardson sang “River Deep and Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner with Dancing with the Stars professionals.
• Chris Tungseth carried out “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan.
• Braden Rumfelt took on “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.
• Hannah Harper carried out the basic “Fever” by Peggy Lee.
• Jordan McCullough delivered a heartfelt “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis devoted to his youthful brothers.

The duet performances added to the enjoyable and competitors as:

• Keyla Richardson and Taylor Hicks sang “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder.
• Chris Tungseth and Bucky Covington carried out “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks.
• Braden Rumfelt and Paris Bennett took on “The Show Must Go On” by Queen.

Jamal Roberts carried out his new R&B track “Perfect For Me” and shared that his latest Grammy nomination in the gospel class felt like profitable American Idol once more.

At the finish of the evening, America voted, and the judges revealed the Top 3:

• Hannah Harper
• Keyla Richardson
• Jordan McCullough

Meanwhile, the American Idol journey ended for 2 singers: Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt.

Stay tuned for extra updates.