American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is now believed to be the highest-paid reality proram host after closing a $45 million deal with CKX, parent of Idol.
In the past season of American Idol, Ryan earned slightly less than $5 million which breaks down to about $100,000 per episode. Now, the 34-year-old tv/radio host has closed a major new three-year deal worth $15 million per year.
After Seacrest, Idol producers are now negotiating for the show’s judges for next season.
The acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell has made statements that he might leave the singing competition when his contract is up at the end of next season. He is now demanding a salary of more than $100 million per year.
The other judges — Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi — all have said they hope to close deals to return next season.
Although the ratings of American Idol last season have declined, it remains the no. 1 tv program on the planet by a mile.
