Ryan Seacrest left American Idol shocked by his dramatic new look in a promotional video for the upcoming 23rd season.

The longtime host, 50, is best known for his clean-shaved appearance, sharp suits and perfectly coiffed locks.

However, it appears the star recently decided to shake thing up as he showcased a much more relaxed look in a recent promotion clip shared on the American Idol Instagram account.

Ahead of the new season’s premiere in March, a throwback clip saw the Wheel of Fortune host wearing a fitted green ʙuттon-down collared shirt, light blue jeans and taupe pointed boots.

He was seen standing in front of a big TV screen, allowing fans to take in his longer hair and well-maintained beard.

His curlier locks and scruffy stubble was certainly a shift away from what fans are used to and many made note in the comment section.

Ryan Seacrest left American Idol shocked by his dramatic new look in a promotional video for the upcoming 23rd season

The longtime host, 50, is best known for his clean-shaved appearance, sharp suits and perfectly coiffed locks

One fan wrote: ‘Bearded @ryanseacrest wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card’

Another viewer added: ‘I like the beard! Very handsome!’

‘Looking quite different there Ryan @ryanseacrest but still charming as always,’ one fan commented.

One fan mused: ‘Looks like he’s turning into another “bro” just like [Mark] Zuckerberg. Apparently, all it takes is growing out their hair and putting on jeans!’

‘Love the beard and longer hair,’ another stated, while one fan wrote: ‘Ryan with the facial hair [shocked face emoji]!!’

The clip saw Ryan getting a surprise from his mother Constance who was seen appearing behind him on the screen.

It’s not clear exactly when Ryan filmed the promo as he was back to his usual self while hosting the 2025 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on December 31, 2024.

The new season of American Idol will see country queen Carrie Underwood grace the panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, marking a full-circle moment for the former contestant.

The longtime host, 50, is best known for his clean-shaved appearance, sharp suits and sporting perfectly coiffed locks

His curlier locks and scruffy bread was certainly a shift away from what fans are accustomed to 

Back in December, a viral video teased the legendary return of Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood — not as a contestant, but as a judge. 

In a heartstring-tugging promo, ABC unveiled a clip showcasing Carrie’s journey —from her fresh-faced audition to winning it all and, now, claiming her spot as a judge.

Social media exploded with fans’ enthusiasm, with one user declaring, ‘Aww, this gives me chills and made me want to cry. This is so awesome! I always voted for Carrie, and now look at her!’ 

Another proudly proclaimed, ‘That’s our girl!’

‘I’m not crying you’re crying,’ posted one, as another agreed, writing ‘Why did this make me so emotional?’ 

Another shared, ‘I have been a Carrie fan since day one!! Welcome home Carrie!’ 

Carrie will reportedly rake in a cool $12 million for her judging debut, a modest sum compared to Katy Perry’s $25 million paycheck before she bowed out last year after a seven-season run.

Ryan, who famously announced Carrie Underwood as the winner of American Idol back in Season 4, 2005, was equally excited about her return. 

Fan flocked to the comment section to share their thoughts about the star’s bearded look

Sharing throwback pH๏τos from that iconic moment, he wrote, ‘It’s a full-circle moment to go from announcing you as the winner of @americanidol 20 years ago to now welcoming you to the judge’s table. Welcome home, @carrieunderwood!’

However, the new judge has fallen out of favor with some viewers after she accepted the invitation to perform at Donald Trump’s 2025 Presidential Inauguration. 

The American Idol star’s rendition of America The Beautiful was hit by shock technical difficulties on Monday, leading the chart-topper to perform a capella due to issues with the backing track. 

Fans quickly took to social media to react, with some claiming it was karma for her decision to perform.

The live performance issues came after Carrie faced criticism for agreeing to perform at the ceremony, and said in a previous statement: ‘I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. 

‘I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.’

A source noted to DailyMail.com that Carrie was hoping to bring people together with her genre: ‘She wants to unite the country, and music is her way to do that, she is looking broader than any controversies that have come up and will come up.’

In regard to her return to the Fox musical compeтιтion, the source said Carrie ‘is a former American Idol and America made her dreams come true, this is her giving back to the country she loves and which has supported her forever.’