Is Ryan Seacrest The Richest Reality TV Host?

Who could have thought that hosting a reality TV show would command a rate as high $45 million for just three years?


Ryan Seacrest has made the biggest deal in reality TV history as he signed $45 million contract extension with CKX, parent producer of American Idol's 19 Entertainment.

Under the contract, the 34-year old "momma's boy" will be exclusively working with CKX as host of the top-rating TV singing competition American Idol and for any CKX-produced show - for three years.

Aside from the whooping paycheck, Ryan Seacrest was also given freedom to develop new projects with CKX, under his Ryan Seacrest Productions.

The lucrative deal will triple the host's $5 million-a-season salary.

"I'm truly appreciative of being part of a show that has had such an enormous impact on popular culture across all ages. I look forward to expanding the relationship with Simon Fuller (Idol mastermind) and Bob Sillerman (CKX Chairman), who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project," says the very excited Ryan Seacrest.

Meanwhile the CKX Chairman believes that the host rightfully deserves the $15 million per year salary:

"Ryan is an essential ingredient to American Idol's success, and I am so happy that we will continue our relationship beyond 'Idol' into the future. Ryan is without doubt one of American television's most talented stars."