Ryan Seacrest Now the Most Highly-Paid Reality Host Ever

Ryan Seacrest, emcee for the popular "American Idol" reality television show, has now officially become the highest-paid reality host in history. While Seacrest was earning $5 million per season until this most recent deal, the new contract Seacrest has signed with 19 Entertainment is for $45 million for 4 years. With the new deal, the 34 year old Seacrest is signed with "Idol" throughout 2012. Perhaps more interesting is the fact that Seacrest will be more free to develop and work on projects with 19 Entertainment and Idol developer Simon Fuller with his "Ryan Seacrest Productions" company.

Said Seacrest, "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 and Bob Sillerman, who share the same visionary approach to entertainment media that I strive for with every project."

Of Seacrest, Fuller noted, "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." Seacrest also engages in a number of other shows and events, including anchoring E! News, hosting a daily radio show and American Top 40 and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Seacrest himself leaked the news of his deal, twittering that he was "Very excited about locking in a deal to host Idol for this season and the following 2."