Done Deal: Idol's Seacrest Triples Salary with New Contract
Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest has inked a $45 million deal to extend his run as American Idol's host through 2012.
The three-year contract with Idol producer 19 Entertainment's parent company, CKX, Inc., more than triples his current salary, and his new paycheck is believed to surpass that of any reality TV host, says the Hollywood Reporter.
Read how Ryan Seacrest keeps Idol pitch-perfect
"I'm truly appreciative of being part of a show that has had such an enormous impact on popular culture across all ages," Seacrest said in a statement, which did not give financial details. "I look forward to expanding the relationship with [Idol creator and 19 Entertainment CEO] Simon Fuller and [CKX CEO] Bob Sillerman, who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project."
Fuller in turn hailed Seacrest as "an essential ingredient to American Idol's success" and "one of American television's most talented stars."
"I am so happy that we will continue our relationship beyond Idol," Fuller said.
The agreement bars Seacrest from appearing on prime-time broadcast television for companies other than CKX.
On the cable front, Seacrest has a separate pact to anchor E! News for Comcast. He also has hosted Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve late-night special for ABC for the last three years.
Seacrest was Emmy-nominated for his Idol work in 2008, the year the Outstanding Reality TV Host category was introduced. Survivor's Jeff Probst took the honor. Nominations for this year's Emmys will be announced Thursday, July 16.
