Skip navigation

‘Idol’ reportedly gives Seacrest a big raise

Host set to earn $15 million per year with new three-year contract

Video
  Ryan Seacrest: The $45 million man
July 13: No way: American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has reportedly signed a three year deal to host the show for $15 million a year, more than triple his current salary.

MSNBC

Access Hollywood video
  Time for ‘Nine’
Dec. 10: Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman hit the red carpet at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, Calif. where they talk about auditioning for their new film, "Nine."

Access Hollywood
updated 9:51 a.m. ET July 13, 2009

LOS ANGELES - Ryan Seacrest has a lot to smile about. The “American Idol” host just closed contract negotiations with CKX — parent company of “Idol” producer 19 Entertainment — which extends his contract with the FOX reality series and creates his own production company.

“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 released to Access Hollywood. “I look forward to expanding the relationship with Simon Fuller and Bob Sillerman who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the three-year deal includes a massive pay raise. Seacrest will reportedly get $15 million per year to host “Idol.”

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

The new $45 million contract will reportedly make the host exclusive to CKX for TV primetime, hosting “Idol” or any other CKX-produced show that might follow.

Previously, Seacrest earned slightly less than $5 million per season on the hit FOX reality competition.

Copyright 2009 by NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored links

Resource guide