Money Matters, Simplified.
'Idol' host Ryan Seacrest signs record deal, triples his salary
by Natalie James - July 13, 2009 - comments
Ryan’s new three-year $45 million or $15 million-per-season deal triples his $5 million-per-season salary he earned in the Idol's eighth season, according to Reuters
Los Angeles, July 13:“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest has signed a new contract extension, which earns him a huge raise and secures his availability as host of the popular talent show through 2012, according to 19 Entertainment, co-producer of the show.
The award-winning television and radio host/television producer and entrepreneur Ryan has hosted the FOX reality show American Idol since its inception in 2002.
Last week, the grapevine had it that Ryan is eying new deal and pay hike to continue his hosting duties as the talent competition enters its ninth season. It was speculated at the time that Ryan would sign a record deal with the show producers that would make him one of the highest paid reality hosts on television.
Huge pay hike for Ryan
And, as expected the 34-year-old television personality has signed a three-year $45 million contract Monday with CKX Inc., parent of Idol producer 19 Entertainment. With the deal, Ryan has now become the highest-paid reality TV show host in history.
Ryan’s new three-year $45 million or $15 million-per-season deal triples his $5 million-per-season salary he earned in the Idol's eighth season, according to Reuters.
The exclusivity element of Ryan's newly inked contract with CKX applies only to broadcast TV and won't effect his other agreements, meaning Ryan can maintain his cable agreement with Comcast and his gig as E! Entertainment's main anchor, can continue to produce Keeping Up with the Kardashians for E! and a future Jamie Oliver reality series for ABC.
The pact will also provide the opportunity for Ryan’s production company Seacrest Productions banner or RSP and "Americal Idol" creator and chief executive of 19 Entertainment, Simon Fuller, to work together on new entertainment endeavors.
Same "Idol" judges panel is expected in season 9
All four "Idol" judges are expected to return to the judges' table for season nine, Simon Cowell said but at the same time stated it was impossible to predict.
"Everyone's going to be back. Absolutely," Variety quoted Cowell as saying. "It's been honestly the best eight, nine years of my life. But I just believe sometimes everything has to come to an end."
Meanwhile, British tabloids have reported that Cowell is seeking a deal worth $100 million a year and may leave the show after his contract expires at the end of next season.