July 10, 2009

American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest Receives a Pay Raise

By Jocelyn Vena (MTV.com)

Ryan Seacrest is only steps away from signing a contract extension with American Idol, according to the Hollywood Reporter. This comes just after Idol judge Paula Abdul indicated she would return for the show's ninth season.

According to the report, Seacrest is currently in talks with Idol co-producer 19 Entertainment to extend his contract for three more years. He will receive a pay raise, making him one of America's the highest-paid realty-TV show hosts.

This season, Seacrest made a little under US$5 million, or about US$100,000 per episode. Seacrest is also reportedly trying to expand his relationship with 19 Entertainment to develop a new series with Idol creator Simon Fuller.

Seacrest reportedly met with people at 19 in the UK last month to discuss the deal. Although nothing is confirmed as yet, THR says an announcement is expected on Monday.

All four Idol judges are currently negotiating new contracts, though the season's auditions have already begun. In May, Simon Cowell indicated he was certain everyone would be back on the show.

"Everyone's going to be back. Absolutely," Cowell said. "It's been honestly the best eight, nine years of my life. But I just believe sometimes everything has to come to an end."