Ryan Seacrest may have been an 'American Idol' judge.

Ryan Seacrest has disclosed that he was approached to be a judge on American Idol before becoming the show's legendary presenter.

Producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick heard Ryan Seacrest on the radio in Los Angeles and felt he may be a good fit for the judging panel, according to Ryan Seacrest, who was a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

However, Seacrest was more interested in applying for the role of host, and he was hired following a successful audition. From the initial three judges to the current roster of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, he has been the host for 21 seasons and counting.

"I guess Simon [Cowell] was already on board, and I don't know who else was at that point," he said. "And I was like, 'Wait a minute.'" I'd want to try out for the role of host.' As a result, I ultimately auditioned for the role of host. And I was hired. So I'm grateful to still have my job."
Seacrest also noted how American Idol has evolved over the years, saying that competitors now begin practising for auditions at a young age.