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
