Posted on 04/11/2014 2:19:08 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
A new analysis from Variety reminds us that Ryan Seacrest’s contract to host American Idol is up at the end of the year. The question is, will he re-up in light of the aging show’s diminishing ratings? His contract with NBC is also up at the end of 2014.
During his last negotiations, Ryan signed a two year contract at 30 million dollars. One way for the producers to cut costs would be to hirer a younger host for less money. With the judges panel constantly in flux the past few years, would it be a good idea to cut Ryan loose? At this point, he’s the only familiar face left to remind us of Idol’s storied legacy. If the show only has a few years left before it’s cancelled, why not go out with guy who has been at the helm since the beginning? Full circle.
Ryan has said he will host American Idol as long as they’ll have him. But could his increasingly busy schedule–which includes producing over 10 series, his nationally syndicated radio show for Clear Channel, his duties for The Today Show (which have petered out since an initial surge) and various other side projects like hosting New Years Rockin Eve for ABC–finally keep him from continuing on with the show that put him on the map?
Ryan could come back, but in a limited capacity. He doesn’t necessarily have to travel the country, along with the auditions caravan. He could sign a deal that only has him hosting Hollywood and the live shows. If Idol shortens the season and/or cuts back to one show a week, that lessens the load on Ryan as well.
Ryan is one of the best hosts in the business. As a long time Idol fan, I want him to be there, narrating the retrospective, when the venerated show finally takes it’s final bow.
Make it happen, FOX!
Via Variety
Never watched him. Happy to say haven’t wasted time on Idol.
Not just Ryan, the entire program is probably over. It’s ratings are in the toilet. Reruns of total crap get more viewers.
No matter what people may think of him, Ryan Seacrest is considered to be the busiest guy in Hollywood (maybe the world).
That guy does NOT let grass grow under his feet. For God’s sake he still has his KIIS-FM radio show as well as all the other stuff he does!
He makes millions - for some reason
14 million a year..
Poor babe
He has a radio gig tho
One of my best buds here in Hollywood used to be one of the showrunners for AI season 1 and 2. Told me repeatedly that if Cowell goes, the ratings go down. He’s right and it was only meant to run for 4 seasons tops.
At the very least, the show needs a one year “time out”. For reasons beyond my comprehension the batty chemistry between Simon Cowell and Paula found many talented, likeable and capable singers. This year is like a “Gong Show” skit of the early years. JMHO
He’s tapped into a good thing.
>>He makes millions - for some reason<<
He works hard and never says no to any gig.
RE: He makes millions - for some reason
He’s like Ed Sullivan. He does not sing, dance, play instruments, make music, or act, but... he seems to be the host that people want.
he seems to be the host that people want... yep... he is the new Dick Clark...
The whole crew will leave when it is canceled.
Yeah, Seacrest is amazingly prolific in his work. It amazes me how many places I see/hear that guy. He seems very talented for what he does, but, I doubt it would hurt him to walk away from the sinking ship that is “American Idol.”
Nothing against Ryan, but if he dies and craps his pants the world will care for 1 second.
I am shocked the ratings are down this year. This judge panel is fantastic and I know many tuning back in this year with the addition of Connick Jr and the absence of last year’s ghetto circus.
It’s been a good season.
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