Ryan Seacrest in for three more years
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest has signed a $30-million deal with the show's producer to continue hosting the series for the next three years.
With the merchandising rights attached to Seacrest's agreement with CKX, the parent of "American Idol" producer 19 Entertainment, the deal could earn him around $45 million, making Seacrest one of the highest-paid hosts of a reality TV show. The agreement stipulates that Seacrest and CKX will attempt to find another prime-time show to work on if the series is not picked up for one or more of those seasons.
Seacrest also has a daily radio show, is an anchor on E! Entertainment News and produces several series with his production company.
Negotiations are continuing with the rest of the "Idol" team, including judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell.
-- Greg Braxton
