HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Ryan Seacrest is laughing all the way to the bank.
The "American Idol" host has inked a three-year contract extension worth $15 million per year with CKX, parent of "Idol" producer 19 Entertainment.
The new pact, announced Monday by The Hollywood Reporter, is believed to be the largest ever for a reality TV host.
Under the terms of the agreement, Seacrest is expected to expand his current relationship with the company. According to the trade publication, one possibility is the development of a new series with 19 Entertainment founder and "Idol" creator Simon Fuller.
The deal also won't stand in the way of the Seacrest's current cable agreement with Comcast, allowing him to maintain his gig as E! Entertainment's main anchor. He will also continue his producing chores for the cable network, which includes "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and "Denise Richards: It's Complicated." Seacrest is also producing an upcoming reality series for ABC starring Jamie Oliver.
The busy Seacrest will also continue hosting his radio show, "American Top 40."
Reps for both 19 Entertainment and Seacrest have yet to comment.
19 Entertainment will now turn its attention to Cowell and his fellow "Idol" judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. There have been rumblings that Cowell could leave the hit Fox singing competition when his contract expires at the end of next season. He is believed to be seeking more than $100 million a year to remain on the show.
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