Idolator

So what if it’s a recession? Who cares if the ratings for American Idol have been in a slow decline, while its demographic numbers have been inching ever-so-slowly up? The producers of Idol don’t seem to mind! Host Ryan Seacrest has just re-upped his pact with the show for three more seasons, and he’s cashed in big, signing what the Hollywood Reporter is saying may be the biggest-money deal for a reality show host of all time.


Seacrest’s new contract, spread out over three seasons, is worth $45 million. That’s $15 million a season–a 200% raise from his previous take-home salary. That’s $83,333.33 per member of the show’s Top 12. That’s, well, a lot of money per copy of Taylor Hicks’ second solo album sold. For his part, Seacrest said that he was “very excited about locking in a deal.” And we’re supposed to be happy that he’s thankful, I guess.


Ryan Seacrest closes deal worth $45 mil [Hollywood Reporter]