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American Idol

Ryan Seacrest gets $45 million, three year deal with “Idol,” Daughtry’s “Poker Face”

9:03 am July 13, 2009, by Rodney Ho

As expected, Ryan Seacrest is getting a nifty raise. Reuters reports Seacrest will get about $45 million over three years, tripling his salary from the past few seasons.

The Wall Street Journal has slightly different numbers but comparable:

Seacrest will receive a total of $30 million for the next three seasons, as well as a $7.5 million signing bonus. In addition, 19 Entertainment paid $15 million last week for all Seacrest marketing rights related to “American Idol.”

This makes him the highest paid reality show host in America.

Seacrest has separate contracts for his morning radio show, the syndicated show heard locally on Star 94, his E! News responsibilities and AT40. He also executive produces “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Denise Richards: It’s Complicated.”

-Over the weekend, the “Idols” from season eight continued its tour up the West Coast, hitting Sacramento and Oakland.

Jim Harrington from the Oakland Tribune, giving Adam Lambert props:

The one thing that was evident from watching Saturday’s “Idols” show at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, one of three tour stops over the weekend in Northern California, is that the 27-year-old Lambert is a bona-fide star.
No matter what a person thinks of Lambert’s dramatic vocal style — I find it more than a tad nauseating — it’s still nearly impossible to deny his almost limitless potential. Indeed, just how the singer goes about trying to make good on all that promise should make for one of pop culture’s most fascinating story lines over the next few years.

And the Sacramento Bee was a lovefest, pure and simple. A sample about Lambert:

I don’t even know where to begin and end with second-place finisher Adam Lambert. He clearly was the performer this audience was clamoring for. And he delivered. Washed in shades of blue and silver (his signature colors) and wearing a leather “morning coat,” Lambert made mincemeat of the microphone with Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” There was smoke and faux fire as he dominated the stage. He’s made perfection out of his haunting reprise of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears, which he sang at least twice on the TV show.

Check out this great cover of Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face” by Daughtry.

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74 comments Add your comment

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
9:10 am

Thanks Rodney. I’d take $45 million for dealing with the Idol contestants.

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
9:10 am

Wow! Jim Harrington must be the king of the backhanded compliment.

And congrats to Ryan on the new salary. IMO, he deserves it.

Rickster

July 13th, 2009
9:22 am

Ryan is striking while the iron is hot. I can’t blame him one bit. He’s the ringmaster of a (now) four-ring circus.

And at the risk of incurring the (soon-to-be) forthcoming wrath, I couldn’t care less about Adam Lambert.

Rickster

July 13th, 2009
9:25 am

Of course… I realize I’m definitely in the minority when it comes to Adam.

Nana

July 13th, 2009
9:27 am

Agree that Ryan is worth every penny. Fifteen mil a year, isn’t bad for one of our GA boys.. Congrats to him. I say the higher ups should give him more control so he can have the show stay within the alloted time slot.

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
9:37 am

Kudos to Ryan. Yes, he deserves every penny, based on the scale they’re paying the so-called judges (as my son likes to point out, they are NOT truly judges once the voting begins, because they have no say — they’re merely commentators” (we call ‘em ‘taters for short) unlike say, SYTYCD, where the judges keep sone control, at least partially, until the last 5 weeks.

ANyway, dealing with those 4 PLUS the audition phase where HE gets to meet alllllllllllll those weirdos! Yeah, he deserves it!

D, hope your Mom is better, Nana, praying for your Dad as well.

I fear I’m losing topsy. Over the weekend she just totally stopped eating, barely drinking water and there doesn’t SEEM to be anything wrong physically other than she just won’t eat. not even fresh meat. She seemed find Thursday; I was out Friday and didn’t really see her (it was dark when i got home Friday) until Saturday and she was like a different pup … still wagging her tail but barely, mostly sleeping (we brought her inside) so i don’t know what’s going to happen. WIll let you know when I hear — hubby’s having to handle this for me. **sigh**

ok i best get to work…. see you guys later!

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
10:00 am

linny…Topsy may have swallowed something that’s not moving in her intestines. that makes a dog stop eating. She may also have a snake bite. Hope the vet can figure it out.

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
10:09 am

thanks D — i’ll let you guys know. i just hope it’s not too late.

harriett

July 13th, 2009
10:23 am

Oh, poor Topsy, to say nothing of poor linny! Do keep us posted!

Rodney Ho

July 13th, 2009
10:52 am

Hang in there Linny. I hope the vet figures it out for your sake…

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
11:00 am

Thanks gang. I can only blame myself if I waited too long — I just didn’t know anyone around here who would see her over a weekend, at least without mortgaging my soul. Although I may wish I’d mortgaged that **sigh** I just don’t want her suffering — she didn’t seem in pain, at all, just — unresponsive to food — she climbed up on the sofa beside me and slept, and didn’t have that pained look in her eyes when she looked up at me. If you’ve had a sick dog, you know what i mean — that kind of “what’s wrong, why do i hurt” kind of look. and she was wagging her tail when we spoke and all. I’m feeling a little guilty already but I have to remember I can’t be everywhere and do everything – I’m gonna miss sometimes. now THAT’s a huge admission from ME!!!

Lara

July 13th, 2009
11:01 am

Linny – I hope Topsy is ok…hopefully the vet will figure it out.
And you go Ryan!! You have to admit, the man earns his money and he works hard. Hopefully he is smart with his money and saves it all up for when we are all tired of the “reality” crap!

Sarah

July 13th, 2009
11:09 am

Sounds like Topsy has parvo.

rambeaux

July 13th, 2009
11:25 am

hay rrayn, im happy and i saw you at diskized when i was in line. you heurd about me huh? :0 thanmks for the lov and for beileevin in me. im gonna make atl and you proud and show off my soul train spin moves fly collar and fro… cant wiat to be on tv! my audi went well!!!

Becky

July 13th, 2009
11:31 am

Rickster, no I’m there with you on Adam..I like Ryan and think he does an awesome job, but no one is worth that much money..

harriett

July 13th, 2009
11:32 am

Oh, joy!

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
11:53 am

OK…Mr Hollywood has figured out how much of that money Ryan is going to see. First, there’s the 50% tax bracket that he falls in so we’re down to $22.5 million. Then his agent and his manager get their share. Normally that’s 15% but with very high paid celebs, most go with 10%(pre tax) So the manager and the agent each get $4.5 million. Ryan is now down to $13 million. Then, there was probably a team of lawyers that helped negotiate the deal and they got anywhere from $1 to $2 million. Let’s say $1. So Ryan gets $12 million on the $45 spread over 3 years…he’ll be taking home about $4 million a year.

Great salary but nowhere near $45 million.

Highlander

July 13th, 2009
12:08 pm

Kudos to Ryan (and thanks to Rodney for the 411).

Sorry, Becky. In a capitalistic society (which we still have at this point!), a person’s worth is what the market (or employer in this case) will bear. And as Linny pointed out, he DOES have to put up with all those ‘talented’ auditioners and the judges!

Sorry about your pup, Linny. And positive thoughts still going out for D’s mom and Nan’s dad.

Highlander

July 13th, 2009
12:10 pm

Make that Nana’s dad. (But you know who I meant.) :-)

Highlander

July 13th, 2009
12:10 pm

Make that Nana’s dad! (But you know who I meant.)

Highlander

July 13th, 2009
12:12 pm

Dang it. Thought pacman had gobbled the first correction ’cause it didn’t refresh when I submitted it! (Dontcha hate when that happens?!) Sorry for the duplication.

Nana

July 13th, 2009
12:13 pm

Oh brother!!!! They’re baaaaaack.

linny: Hope the vet can find out what is wrong with Topsy. She could have eaten something that isn’t sitting well with her. Hopefully, that’s all it is and nothing serious. Keep the faith and hang in there my friend.

Nana

July 13th, 2009
12:15 pm

Thanks highlander for the concern. I appreciate it.

And yes, we all knew who you were referring to.

ravengirl

July 13th, 2009
12:30 pm

Rickster, no wrath for you, just pity that you won’t be there for the early days of what is sure to be a superstar career, Even those who find his singing “a tad nauseating” (weird thing to say, Harrington) can see that this guy has something we haven’t seen in a good long while. It is no hyperbole, and I am no silly David Cassidy (there, I’ve dated myself) fangirl to suggest that Adam Lambert will make good on all bets so many have placed on him to be the next big thing.
As for Seacrest, smart move, especially at a time when Idol is starting to tank. As many have said before me, Adam saved last season, but in many ways he also destroyed it. No one will ever live up to his level, so AI will go back to karaoke supreme and that shark jumped long ago.
‘

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
12:38 pm

Becky that’s my hugest fear; we lost a pup years and years ago before parvo was hardly heard of — back in about 1980 — never since then — we had not had her complete shots done yet ($$ limitations, and she is only like 4 months old) but were keeping her isolated from outside dogs, so were hopeful we had time…. again, my guilt increases but you can only do what you can do… sigh …thank you all for your positive thoughts, in any event.

maybe i should start an outcry for universal health care for pets to be included….

nahhhhh nevermind

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
12:43 pm

Deirdre, I can retire on 4 million.

Keep us posted Linny.

rob

July 13th, 2009
12:44 pm

Let’s see all you whiny liberals always griping about greedy buisness folk get upset over 45 million to stand on a stage and literally do nothing. Come on libs, take out your idols…..

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
12:58 pm

rob…I’m not the least bit upset…he earns every penny, imo.

harriett

July 13th, 2009
1:16 pm

Right, D, he does earn every penny! Ryan’s is the only azz that is hangin’ out there for the whole LIVE show and the only one responsible for moving things along.

And, I am not whiny. :)

Becky

July 13th, 2009
1:18 pm

Highlander, that may be so, but I still stand my my opinion…

linny, I’m sorry to hear about your dog, but it wasn’t me that suggested parvo, so I’m gonna pass your thanks onto Sarah..

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
1:21 pm

rob, what liberals are you talking about? You must not come to this blog very often.

Stephanie

July 13th, 2009
1:38 pm

He must have made one hell of a pact with Satan to get all this success. Am I the only person who think he is annoying and completely over-rated?

Nana

July 13th, 2009
1:38 pm

Who’s whinny? Not I.

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
1:40 pm

Yes Stephanie, you are.

Stephanie

July 13th, 2009
1:43 pm

Well, I always have been an independent thinker and proud to say that I choose to spend my time watching shows that actually make you think, not make your ears bleed.

PhDude

July 13th, 2009
1:46 pm

Adam is AMAZING Ravengirl you are right! Rickster and Becky no hate coming your way. I see people with bad taste in clothes all day long but I don’t hate them. I feel sorry for them and whatever deep seated reasons force them to make such bad “statements” from a fashion perspective of course.

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
1:47 pm

oops Becky, sorry….i’d read all the way down and your name stuck, LOL. But thanks for the correction!

Whiny **liberals** ???? ummmmm nooooo i don’t think so!!!! some of us are more liberal than others, but in general, we’re a relatively centered group, perhaps tilting just a tad to the right of center — which imho is waaaaay far left of where “right of center” was 20 years ago!!!

ANeeeee way! re Topsy — My son says she’s just still sleeping. At least she’s drinking water periodically…. but i am so afraid not enough… anyway, enough about my pup…

And Ryan has the REAL job there — the judges do NOT see the 1000’s of auditions, only those that the production staff puts through, and even THEN they don’t see all put through the first round, the way i understand it, the 2nd round of eliminations culls out SOME of the BS, then the **coff** poooooor judges have to sit through a few hundred people at best. Ryan on the other hand has to greet everyone auditioning, put up with things like bikini girl’s ego and kiss (rough life there, kiddo) at best and that cracked gal who comes back every year this year talking about forgiveness and all, then flips them off yet again, mouth running like a sewer drain after a torential downpour… He has to put up with whatever the judges throw him. He has to make those hokey and stupid (rarely clever) spots and shorts where he does stupid (rarely clever) stunts and appearances…. i could go on and on! Yeah. He deserved and deserves a larger piece of that pie.

And JT, yeah, i could survive on 4 mil a year, uh huh. nooooooo problem!

Mercedes S.

July 13th, 2009
1:55 pm

Comcast hijacked my computer for three days, insisting I subscribe to extras I didn’t want, and to reclaim my normal deal took all the technical skills and incredible patience my computer savvy husband could muster when he returned late last night from a weekend beach trip with an active, 11-year old newphew … sorry to have missed all the comments and goings on.

Nana, many of us have been were you are now. Thinking of you, and praying for you and your dad.

I hope Topsy the dog is improving – Linny, for future reference, you might want to ask your vet about emergency places that stay open over holidays and weekends. There’s an excellent place in Sandy Springs I’ve used.

Enjoyed the interview w Matt and Megan. She looked exhausted and I’m sure she’s working hard (”rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals”) but maybe, at some point, a kind soul will let her know there are other career options available for an unmusical, unco-ordinated pretty girl.

And I’m glad Ryan got a good deal.

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
1:58 pm

Stephanie, I’ve found that everyone who refers to themselves as “independent thinkers” type the exact same thing as you. If you ask me there is not too much independence if you fit in the same mold as all the other “independent thinkers.”

harriett

July 13th, 2009
2:08 pm

JT, it was I they were calling whiny. I am liberal but not whiny. I think I, along with maybe offkey, am the only lib here. Not plentiful, but here, nonetheless!

gorgo

July 13th, 2009
2:23 pm

linny,
Check with your vet about giardia, a viral infection that is going around. My dog has been fighting it for a month. Stopped eating, lost a lot of weight. Ask about panacur. By the way, Ryan is a douchebag.

harriett

July 13th, 2009
2:25 pm

Ryan is the best ever at what he does and deserves every cent he’s been awarded. No need for namecalling at all over a difference of opinion.

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
2:25 pm

Well…I’m conservative and whiny so I think “whiny” crosses political, social and religious barriers. Besides…the only genuine whine that’s shown up today came out of rob so…who is he to talk!

harriett

July 13th, 2009
2:32 pm

Amen, D!

Nana

July 13th, 2009
2:55 pm

I’m about to call it a day and home for some much needed rest.

Everyone have a great evening and remember to keep a song in your heart, a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. And always, be careful when on the roads.

Bye for now…………….

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
2:57 pm

LOL!!! Harriett I don’t think YOU whine — I don’t think Deirdre whines either… we talk, discuss, berate, beyotch, complain, get mad, get even…but RARELY do we Whi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ine!!! (cheese with that, sir?)

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
2:59 pm

gorgo thanks for the heads up about the “new” virus — had not heard of that one; of course by the time i get HOME many answers may have been found already — and mercedes, unfortunately i’m over in athens — i’m SURE there’s somewhere i could have gone, but… well circumstances were just a little more complicated than i can go into… soooooo

thank you all for the input regarding Topsy, however. love for man’s best friend indeed crosses all barriers!!!

Becky

July 13th, 2009
3:11 pm

Phdude, I don’t feel any hate..Differences are what makes this world such a great place..I didn’t hate Adam, I just liked someone else better…

blkshephered

July 13th, 2009
3:28 pm

45 million? I better not hear anything about the country being broke. This guy is no Dick Clark who as far as I am concerned can MC all over Ryan. 45 million to trade gay jabs with Simon. Apparently the USA is doing just fine. People out of work? Not when you can pay some one 45 million to say “This, is American Idol..” introduce some of the worst singers my ears have ever behold(Many I dont know how they got to the top 100) The show has become a joke. Adam was the only real talent in several years and the ones that have become the idol arent really burning up the charts..ie Jordan Sparks, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks who was better on the show than when he got a contract. Four judges (YAWN*) Kellie Clarkson and the country cant even remember her name(but shes won many country awards) are the Only two that won that really really made something of themselves..Carrie Underwood thats her name. Mind you i said Winners not runners up or folks cut like Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson both who did better after they were kicked off. Hell they may as well let Paula have 45million. she does more than Ryan ..ok.when she aint under the influence of something. can we say perscription drugs? hmm( and they got the nerve to talk about Michael Jackson)

Steve

July 13th, 2009
3:37 pm

I’ve always wondered why Seacrest has stayed in the closet about his sexuality – he stands to make more money that way.

harriett

July 13th, 2009
3:51 pm

ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz.

Heather MacDonald

July 13th, 2009
3:55 pm

Blkshephered, you think the show is full of people with no talent, why are you watching? The show has been FULL of talent for the entire run. Some contestants are extremely talented but don’t have the “it” factor that makes them stars on the Carrie Underwood/Kelly Clarkson level. They may not win, but most are undoubtedly talented. Some who won (Taylor Hicks) are talented in genres that are not necessarily main stream pop music, but he does just fine in his r&b/easy listening niche. As for Ryan, good for him. He works hard at all of his endeavors and deserves it.

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
4:05 pm

I wonder just how often no one would discuss or even THINK of discussing someone’s sexual preference if the MEDIA didn’t bring it up and try to make something of it first.

Rodney knows I’m not talking about him — but how often do so-called journalists make the dreaded mistake of CREATING the news instead of REPORTING the news???

just askin’

linny ,,,=^..^=,,,

July 13th, 2009
4:22 pm

oh yeah. one of my favorite quotes coming up on my calendar: “I have a simple philosophy. Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. And scratch where it itches.” Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

harriett

July 13th, 2009
4:33 pm

Well, I am now bored with such talk as bs (appropriate, don’t you think?) and Steve contributed, so I think I will say bye for today and see you tomorrow!

JTesla

July 13th, 2009
4:44 pm

There go a few more of my brain cells, I need to stop trying to read that garbage.

LizDawg

July 13th, 2009
4:50 pm

WOW! Why would Daughtry stoop so low as to cover this 2-bit hussy’s overplayed pop tunes? She’s AWFUL!

destinay

July 13th, 2009
4:54 pm

Does Chris D. think he is original??.. He stole this idea for Kris Allen..

willamp

July 13th, 2009
4:56 pm

These big salaries for Ryan and the judges are because of Adam Lambert.
Can you imagine what they would be offered if this season hadn’t been so dramatic and exciting?
Without Adam 2009 might have been the last or next to last Idol season.

cowo

July 13th, 2009
4:59 pm

I’m liberal and I don’t “whine”, but I’m glad my 8 years of bitchin finally are over and done with! Linny – I too wish your pup all the best. We determined awhile back that we’re in the same age bracket, and it just gets harder and harder to lose these wee little ones.

Ryan’s good at what he does, and to have to put up with Simon’s continual “gay” references is certainly worth something.

twing

July 13th, 2009
5:25 pm

HES WORTH IT!!!!!! No single person in this world should be paid 45 Million Dollars while others in this world are suffering so much!!!!! What is our world coming too :( You dont see him donating about 40 of that to charity CRAZINESS

Rodney Ho

July 13th, 2009
5:31 pm

New blog entry up!

aveRichJoe

July 13th, 2009
5:54 pm

OMG!! Michael Jackson Autopsy Photo!!
You’ve gotta see MJ’s unreleased autopsy photo

http://hubpages.com/hub/jacksonautopsyphoto

JASon

July 13th, 2009
7:53 pm

twing, so where do you suggest all of the money that the show makes go? “while others are suffering so much…” Gimme a break. For the amount the US government takes out in taxes, he might as well be giving half of it to charity. I’ll bet you never thought about that. YOU GOT SCHOOLED

Deirdre

July 13th, 2009
10:37 pm

We figured it out. Of the 45 million, Ryan will get 12 million after paying his people and his “fair share” to the gov’t. So yes…he DOES donate it.

Justin

July 13th, 2009
10:42 pm

Rodney —

Just to be clear, Daughtry is the name of Chris Daughtry’s band. His name is still Chris Daughtry.

Similarly, UGA is a university, while Uga is a dog.

carly

July 13th, 2009
10:51 pm

This compensation is absurd. Sign me up I want to work on American Idol. there is a related post at http://iamsoannoyed.com/?page_id=588

KC

July 14th, 2009
1:16 am

And Brian Dunkleman is somewhere kicking himself for not making that Idol thing work…..

wiccagirl

July 14th, 2009
8:38 am

@Ravengirl,@PHDude @willamp- i agree with you guys! Glambert is the best. So many things changing in AI. Adam really changed AI and opened the door for other talents. The best to Glambert! Ryan – 45M is sick. Good for you!

susana

July 14th, 2009
8:47 am

Go Adam! Go Ryan! I love both of them in AI. So happy that Adam is starting out in his career. I hope he also on day reach the financial level of Ryan. Congrats Ryan.
@wiccagirl – yup Adam did changed AI. Even Gokey recognized that. I love him. Good luck Glambert. I am proud to be one!

frances

July 14th, 2009
8:49 am

Adammmmm!!! What a talent! I will see him in Utah Idol Concert. So excited!!!

Ryan – you should share you money with Paula A. She also deserves a raise in AI.

twing

July 14th, 2009
5:10 pm

JASon- I got schooled that we have to pay taxes?????? WOW what a lesson- Please enlighten me with more of your knowledge. 1 million dollar a year salary is more than enough for ANYONE to live a very nice live on. Also since when is paying taxes giving to a charity??? Maybe you should rethink your lesson!! The average pay for a teacher or a Firefighter/police officer who risks their lives everyday to help other is $30,000. That is the true lesson here.

Michael

July 15th, 2009
3:02 am

I like Ryan, but come on..$45 million? You gotta be kiddin. The rich get richer. The poor get poorer.

Rob

July 23rd, 2009
1:14 am

Puh-puh-puh-pokerface, puh-puh-pokerface…….. Z-z-z-zz-z-z- LMAO