HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - It has been reported by Fox.com and the Hollywood Reporter that Ryan Seacrest’s $15 million a year contract as the host of “American Idol” will expire in 2012.
Seacrest, 37, will host his 11th season this year; however the Hollywood Reporter cited an “insider” source saying the Fox network thinks he can be replaced for $2 to $3 million. That same source said that when Idol producers found out the show was still a hit without judge Simon Cowell and Paul Abdul, the idea of replacing Seacrest would have the same outcome and occur without disaster with the show's ratings still intact.
Click here to watch Ryan Seacrest on Jimmy Kimmel – Part I
The Wall Street Journal reported that NBC is in talks with Seacrest about replacing Matt Lauer as the host of the “Today” show on NBC since Lauer’s contract is also up this year. However NBC has reported those reports are still a bit premature.
If Seacrest makes the decision to leave “American Idol,” he certainly won’t be out of work. He has plenty of other TV and radio work including a producing empire which includes “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”
Click here to watch Ryan Seacrest on Jimmy Kimmel – Part II
In fact Seacrest is so busy you would have to wonder how he has time for Julianna Hough, his girlfriend who is a professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars.”
The couple mostly makes rare public appearances together however are still said to be very much a couple.
Photo Slideshow – Ryan Seacreat and “Dancing With the Stars” Julianne Hough.
Video – Julianne Hough talks to Ellen DeGeneress about her boyfriend Ryan Seacrest.
American Idol Returns January 18 & 19; Special Broadcast January 22.
American Idol is back when its 11thseason begins with a two-night premiere Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 8/7c and Thursday, Jan. 19 at 8/7c, featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler.
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