TMZ reports: Ryan Seacrest buys Ellen DeGeneres’ $49 million Beverly Hills home
Ryan Seacrest is buying Ellen DeGeneres' Beverly Hills home, which was on sale for $49 million. CREDIT: AP
“Idol” host and Dunwoody High School graduate Ryan Seacrest is movin’ on up.
He recently put his Hollywood Hills home up for sale for $11.985 million.
TMZ reports that he has purchased former “Idol” judge and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres‘ home that was on sale for a cool $49 million.
Seacrest is not living beyond his means. Forbes in May 2011 estimated he earned $61 million the previous 12 months. I’m sure he made as much if not more the past 12 months given his gigs on E!, “American Idol,” AT40, syndicated radio, “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve,” his production company (”Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) and a recently signed deal with NBCUniversal that includes work on “The Today Show” and the Olympics.
TMZ said the property in Beverly Hils covers an entire block and takes up almost three acres. The estate includes a 9,200-square-foot main home, three guest houses and a koi carp pool.
You can see how the house looked when DeGeneres lived there here, courtesy of Architectural Digest.
His current home is nothing to sneeze at. It was once owned by Kevin Costner. Seacrest purchased it in April, 2006 for $11.5 million. According to Yahoo, the Mediterranean mansion has five bedrooms, a swimming pool, guest house, tennis courts and gardens. It takes up 8,172 square feet.
- In other reality TV show news, “Dancing With the Stars” will air its first all-star edition this fall.
- And TMZ says Demi Lovato will make a mere $1 million as a judge on “X Factor,” so the show could afford to pay Britney Spears a cool $15 million.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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116 comments Add your comment
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
I could live in that house. Do you think Ryan would mind? He’d hardly know I was there.
JTesla
May 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Good for Ryan.
Rodney Ho
May 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
@Deirdre: There are three guest homes!
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
Oops, forgot to check back in yesterday afternoon. Rickster – I just thought maybe you didn’t know Adam’s name.
Kidding! Really I was just trying to save you from risking carpal tunnel with all that extra typing. 
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
On the X Factor judges – I have to agree with Deirdre and Sam on the LA Reid issue. G… I completely respect your opinion and I know he’s skilled at finding talent, but I for one care greatly about LA’s attitude. There’s not enough time in the day as it is for downtime and relaxation… TV shows are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. For me, there’s no fun in watching a hateful, rude, arrogant jerk. (sorry, there was no polite way to state my opinion of him.
)
This morning on Today they were discussing the new XF panel. The general opinion seems to be that Britney will do fine, and definitely knows her stuff… however, Demi doesn’t bring a whole lot to the table except her youth.
I’m actually looking forward to seeing how Britney does… but the Demi addition does feel very slimy. She’s way too young and will have zero credibility in my eyes.
So the panel will have two judges I’m fine with (Britney and Simon), one I DESPISE (LA), and a little girl. But… the best singer did win last year, so I’ll give it a try.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
See, Rodney, I could move in and it could take him months to find me!
Next week’s tvguide is has published a facebook poll on the top 3. 53% vote for Phil. 31% for Jessica and 13% for Joshua. I’m assuming that the other 3% are still pouting about one Idol or another being eliminated.
JTesla
May 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
Phillip IS going to win. That we already know.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
TV Guide also has this to say about Idol vs The Voice:
While Idol is down from last year, it stayed well ahead of The Voice in viewers(19.1 million vs 15.9 miliion). The 11.9 million who watched the season finale of The Voice was lower than every Wednesday episode of Idol. Fox execs have always insisted that ratings for singing competitions thrive or dive based on the quality of contestants. “The Voice is gimmick driven,” said one Fox insider. “Idol is about the kids.”
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
Interesting, D. I will vote for Jessica, but I still think Phillip will win.
What was that on the previous thread about changes and shake-ups coming for the next Idol season? Maybe they’re finally admitting the voting issues… we can dream….
Whatnottosing has an interesting take too. The “average ratings”, which are performance-based (and include everyone, not just the top 3) show Jessica highest with 68.2. Followed by (in order) Erika, Skylar, Elise, Joshua, Hollie, Colton…. then Phillop in 8th.
(Keep in mind that Erika only had 5 performances to affect her average, though, most of which were highly regarded. That may be why she’s placing second.)
That to me says that the high-volume voters aren’t voting on performance AT ALL….
well, we already knew that, didn’t we.
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
Thanks, Jenny. I appreciate it. But I’ve had Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery on both wrist. Both – interestingly – in the last three years!
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
here’s the link if anyone’s interested. You can click any heading to sort. Also it shows highest- and lowest-rated single performances (Elise’s LedZep just barely edges out Jess’s I Will Always Love You for the top spot… wow, I’d have to disagree with that one.)
http://www.whatnottosing.com/seasons.asp?id=11
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
OK, good, Rickster. Just didn’t want to see you get hurt, and thought maybe I could help.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
I would have still been voting for Elise if she was on. I’m with Jenny. I will vote for Jessica. I just think she’s been the best overall who is still standing. I also think the judges hurt her almost as much as they hurt Hollie. Constant praise does just as much damage, imo, as constant criticism.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
In the vein, I would also think that Joshua was also damaged by the judges’ praise and therefore think Phil will win the competition.
Combine being the cute guy with decent and interesting performances while the judges didn’t always stay by his side with Jessica’s save and Joshua’s standing o’s and we’ve got us a winner that may not have been a winner without “help” from the judges.
Sam-A
May 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
eirdre and RoHo: Y’all forgot all about the 3,000+HOUSE also on the estate. So that’s the main house, the extra house and the 3 guest houses totalling 15.000 sq ft! Let’s all move out there and become an “AI cult”! I’m pretty sure Ryan can afford to support us all.
Sam-A
May 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
Seems I dropped a “D” somewhere along the line!
Alex
May 15th, 2012
4:37 pm
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
I’m with you about Demi. Every sentence will probably begin with “um”.
Alex
May 15th, 2012
4:39 pm
Agree or disagree?
If P squared wins he’ll be named the new “American Idol”.
If Screamin’ J wins he’ll be named the new “American Idol”.
If 7th place finisher Jessica wins she’ll be named the new “Amulligan Idol”.
Alex
May 15th, 2012
4:42 pm
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
Dude, you’re the best keyboarding carpal tunnel victim in the past 50 years.
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
4:43 pm
Yep, D, I also think the constant standing ovations have hurt Joshua. I think people are really getting annoyed by that. Even Skylar teased him about it when she was still on, remember?
I am hoping, like you said a while back, that Jessica will make the finals and pull out a reprise of “I Will Always Love You”. I think it’s possible she could win the whole thing with that.
(well, let me rephrase… if anyone can beat Phil, that would be the most likely shot to do it.)
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:45 pm
Watching AGT last night made me appreciate Ryan all the more. Nick Cannon is okay. He’s funny, and I like it when he comes out and dances/interacts with the contestants (remember the “Up In My Studio” girl from last year?)
I’ve never watched SYTYCD… so I’m going totally on other people’s opinions when I rank the following hosts:
1. Ryan
2. Nick
3. Cat Deely
4. Carson Daly
5. Robohost (thank goodness he’s gone.)
JTesla
May 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
I don’t get all the hoopla regarding Ryan’s house, a little small when compared to my place.
To be honest, my dream house would be 100 square feet max, anyone can live in a big house and if I lived in a big house I’d just fill it with junk.
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
Alex, I think he actually copies and pastes that sentence. (You know, the one about Adam, the guy who won over Kris Allen, you know, Kris, the guy people think actually won.)
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
Alex… thanks. I even learned to mouse left-handed – even though I’m right handed!
n
May 15th, 2012
4:53 pm
Ryan could have bought my home. It has 52 ft. frontage,1 bd.1ba. TV and the love of my life a garbage disposal. 700 sq. ft. Need I say more? Price negotiable but under 49 million.
Alex
May 15th, 2012
4:54 pm
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
So you’re amphibious, ambidextrous, ambitious or something like that.
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
The sisters Kardashian were on Jay Leno last night, and had a very embarrassing exchange with Jay. Jay said Kourtney had let her self go a little bit, and she replied “Too much In-and-out” (meaning the hamburger chain.)
When the crowd starting chuckling, and the sisters Kardashians realized what she had said, Kim leaped to her sister’s defense saying it had been “Five Guys” (again, meaning the hamburger chain.)
Too much “in and out” with Five Guys?”
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:56 pm
http://www.aol.com/video/tonight-show-kardashian-accidentally-makes-very-dirty-joke/517366664/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000058&
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:58 pm
Forgot to rank Tom Bergeron.
Here’s my revised list:
1. Ryan
2. Tom Bergeron
3. Nick
4. Cat Deely
5. Carson Daly
Worst host in TV history. Robohost (thank goodness he’s gone.)
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
5:00 pm
Have a great evening, everyone! Only 27 hours till Idol! (give or take a minute or two.)
And a good morning to Sakura (if she still visits.)
Alex
May 15th, 2012
5:01 pm
Rickster
May 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
That’s probably their normal lifestyle, so what’s the joke?
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
5:10 pm
Cat Deeley is just about as perfect as Ryan. She’s warm, amusing, kind and keeps the show moving. I’d rank her right up there with Ryan and Tom.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
5:11 pm
@Jenny, yes, people are annoyed by the judges standing o’s but is that Joshua’s fault? Should he be punished for their behavior…and yet he will be.
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
5:13 pm
I know, D. Once again, why the show needs some biiiiiigggg changes….
I still vote for a Jimmy, Paula and Katy Perry judges’ panel!
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
5:15 pm
I LOVE Cat Deeley! Is she in the running for something, or are we just ranking for fun?
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
5:34 pm
Just fun, Jenny.
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
5:50 pm
Dang. I was hoping maybe she was being considered for X Factor and I’d missed it. That would even redeem the Demi selection!!
JTesla
May 15th, 2012
5:58 pm
She could run for “President of the world” and I’d vote for her. I don’t even watch her show and I like her.
Rodney Ho
May 15th, 2012
6:16 pm
You guys might be thrilled to see that Jennifer Lopez told Ellen DeGeneres she may not do “Idol” again next year. That means she won’t be back for sure.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20595635,00.html
Jenny
May 15th, 2012
6:18 pm
I don’t watch it either, JT. I’ve just seen her here and there on other shows.
Rodney, J-Lo’s actually the one I mind the least of the current judges… except when she cries over the boy-band guys. I think most of the time she actually does mean well.
JTesla
May 15th, 2012
6:36 pm
Didn’t she say that last year? Broken record is broken.
Lakeisha Jackson
May 15th, 2012
6:53 pm
Smart buy. It’s a beautiful home, the real estate market is down so…even though he paid an enormous prices…it’s a good buy. And he doesn’t even have to take down all Ellen’s “rainbow” stickers.
Deirdre
May 15th, 2012
7:05 pm
Rodney, she’s just fishing for more money. OR she knows Idol is looking elsewhere and she’s saving face.
.....
May 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
It’s official….Ryan Seacrest makes too damn much money. $61 million for being a microphone-holder with the personality of a brick?!?! I’m in the wrong business.
Seth T
May 15th, 2012
10:08 pm
Here’s Casey Abrams and Jackie Tohn — doing “Can’t Buy Me Love”, a Beatles Hit from the past.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy9OlNZdjHQ
Mo Schreibman
May 16th, 2012
12:39 am
I for one am not letting any of this keep me up at night late if it is the last thing I do each day.
Deirdre
May 16th, 2012
7:02 am
Morning!
Big night tonight! Top 3! I hope y’all have your voting fingers ready.
Highlander
May 16th, 2012
7:45 am
Morning! Been gone for a while due to work.
I seem to remember that much earlier this season it was all about how much better the girls were and this would probably be the first female winner in quite a while.
Then the girls started dropping like flies.
I think the finale will be Phillip and Joshua (have either of them been in the bottom 3?). I figure they both must have larger voting blocks since Jessica was already actually eliminated by the public before.
Deirdre
May 16th, 2012
8:05 am
Highlander, good to hear from you again.
Girls dropping like flies isn’t exactly how I saw it. For top 6 we had 4 girls and 2 guys. That hasn’t happened in a number of years.
The 2 guys, however, are extremely popular. I’m betting on a Phil/Jessica finale. I’d prefer a Jessica/Joshua finale but I’m pretty sure that we have a real race going on between people determined not to have a WGWG win again and Phil fans, who appear to be a lot more than just tweens and cougars.
Harriett
May 16th, 2012
8:22 am
Good morning! Idol day!!
Hey, Highlander! I was out for awhile with work stuff, too. Always enjoy your views.
Oh, I hope JLo was serious.