Simon Cowell finalizing deal with 'Idol'

August 11, 9:35 AMMiami Reality TV ExaminerAshley Guistolisi

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Miami Reality TV Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

American Idol judge Simon Cowell is reported to be finalizing his contract with CKX to stay on Idol for three more years.

"We've heard from Fox, who has asked us for approval for Simon Cowell to appear for three more years on 'Idol,'" said CKX Chairman and CEO Robert Sillerman. "They, in their negotiations with Cowell, have asked us to pre-approve him not only for 'American Idol' '09, which has begun taping, but they have also asked us for approval for '10 and '11, indicating to us that they're finishing their negotiation with Cowell. We did grant approval for that quite obviously."

Sillerman couldn't finalize any numbers yet, but Cowell is rumored to be earning $45 million, up $36 million from his previous contract.

Host Ryan Seacrest has also signed a three-year $45 million deal with 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia.