Ryan Seacrest's two-year contract with American Idol is almost up, so whether the host will return to the show reportedly remains in question.
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Although Seacrest is known to be loyal to American Idol since the series launched his entire television career back in 2002, the host has been confronted with an extremely busy schedule since 2012. Seacrest juggles a successful Ryan Seacrest Productions company, a syndicated radio show, a reporting position for E! News, hosting TV specials, and investing in multiple tech firms.
Seacrest also helped cover the Sochi Olympics for NBC, however, he reportedly couldn't travel due to his Idol obligations and therefore was restricted to filming pre-taped segments in Los Angeles.
But the possibility of Seacrest, who earns $15 million-per year for his current Idol contract, returning to American Idol may not even be his choice anymore, according to Variety.
Even if Seacrest does decide he'd like to come back, Fox's new management -- which no longer includes longtime reality chief Mike Darnell -- may determine he's too expensive and decide to replace him with a fresh face as a continuing effort to revamp the show for higher ratings.
Fox is already reportedly considering some changes for Idol, such as shorter episodes and different time slots or premiere dates, on the heels of a constantly switched-up judging panel. Seacrest is the show's only mainstay when it comes to the on-air talent.
Representatives for Seacrest, Fox and NBCUniversal have all reportedly declined comment on the talks. Idol's production companies 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America also had no comment.
The lack of public information is to be expected though, according to Variety, because Seacrest likes to play out his contract negotiations as privately as possible. News of the Idol host's return or departure may not be officially released until a decision has been reached.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
