“American Idol” is preparing for one of the biggest changes in its history, and Ryan Seacrest may have just cleared up another major question about Season 25. The longtime host has spoken openly about the show’s move to Georgia and what the change will mean when the competition returns in 2027.
For more than two decades, “American Idol” has been closely associated with Hollywood. But production company Fremantle has confirmed that the show is relocating production from Los Angeles to Georgia for its milestone 25th season.
That change immediately raised questions about more than just the filming location. When ABC originally renewed “Idol” for Season 25, the network had not yet officially announced whether Seacrest or judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie would return.
Seacrest’s latest comments, however, strongly indicate that he will continue as host. Speaking about the Georgia relocation, he repeatedly discussed the upcoming season from the perspective of someone preparing to be there, describing the move as an exciting way to freshen up the show after 25 seasons.
The Georgia native also joked about one of “American Idol’s” most famous traditions. Contestants have spent years hearing the phrase “You’re going to Hollywood,” but that obviously becomes complicated when the show itself is no longer based there.
Asked what the new version of that famous line might be, Seacrest joked, “You’re going to Ryan’s town, I don’t know!” It was a playful acknowledgment that Season 25 will look very different from the “Idol” viewers have known for years.
The move is particularly meaningful for Seacrest because he grew up in Dunwoody, Georgia. He said his mother is already excited and plans to bring friends from her neighborhood and exercise class to watch the show.
Seacrest is also looking forward to having longtime friends nearby. He joked that friends from his high school and college football days will finally be able to come see “American Idol” in person now that production is much closer to home.
The relocation could also make the production schedule more convenient for some of the show’s familiar faces. Luke Bryan grew up in Georgia, while Carrie Underwood lives in Tennessee. Lionel Richie also has Southern roots, having grown up in Alabama.
Financial considerations appear to be an important part of the move as well. Georgia offers substantial incentives for television production, while reporting indicates “American Idol” did not receive California’s production tax credit. Fremantle has confirmed the relocation but has not publicly given a detailed official reason for it.
The move also continues a gradual shift away from Los Angeles. Season 24 had already taken the traditional Hollywood Week portion of the competition to Nashville, and Season 25 will now take the transformation considerably further by moving the main production to the Atlanta area.
What remains less certain is the complete judging lineup. Some local reporting says Underwood, Bryan and Richie are expected to return, but ABC has not made the same level of formal cast announcement for all three judges. So Seacrest’s comments provide a strong indication about his own future while some Season 25 details remain to be officially revealed.
After hosting “American Idol” since its original 2002 season, Seacrest clearly seems enthusiastic about taking the show into its next chapter. Hollywood may no longer be the physical home of “Idol,” but with Season 25 moving into Seacrest’s home state, the milestone year could end up feeling especially personal for the man who has been standing beside contestants since the very beginning.
