The TV host was almost unrecognizable while promoting the ABC series ahead of the March 9 premiere.

It’s a brand-new year, and Ryan Seacrest is welcoming 2025 with quite a different look.

Fans know the American Idol and Wheel of Fortune host to always put his best foot forward, often wearing a sharp suit that looks perfect for television. Well, Ryan decided to shake things up in a dramatic fashion for 2025, as he showcased a more relaxed look in a new Instagram promo for American Idol‘s new season beginning on March 9.

In the short clip, folks saw Ryan don a fitted green button-down collared shirt, light blue jeans and taupe pointed boots while standing in front of a big TV screen. As his mom Constance appeared behind him on the monitor, it was the media personality’s facial hair that really threw fans off. As his hair was slightly longer and curlier than usual, he also showing off a well-maintained beard — a significant shift from the aesthetic people have seen from him for many years.

Given how Ryan doesn’t often display this kind of look on camera, seeing his dramatic new look had folks sharing their thoughts in the comments.

“Bearded @ryanseacrest wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card 😂 Can’t wait for the new season of @americanidol!” one person exclaimed in the comments. “Love the beard and longer hair,” another agreed. “Please Ryan this is iconic,” a different follower added.

This is definitely something we didn’t see coming from Ryan in the new year. But given how he’s pulling double-duty hosting two TV shows at the same time, it makes sense that he’d like to switch things up every one once in a while.

It’s also important to note Ryan’s longer hair and beard may have not lasted as long as people hoped. When Ryan hosted the 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on December 31, 2024, he sported his classic short hair and clean-shaven face for the event.

Needless to say, we’re digging the longer hair and beard on Ryan! Can he bring it back soon, please?

As the entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.