Ryan Seacrest has renewed his contract to host "American Idol," Fox announced Monday. According to one report, the terms of his contract call for him to receive $30 million to stay on with the show for two more seasons.
Seacrest, who has served as host on the Fox singing competition since its June 2002 debut, called his tenure on the show so far a "wild ride," and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming seasons.
Fox had no comment on the particulars of the contract renewal.
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“For the last 11 seasons, I've had the privilege to be a part of one of television's most iconic shows. It's been a wild ride, and I'm excited for my journey with 'American Idol' to continue,” Seacrest (pictured above with "Idol" contestant Colton Dixon and Dixon's sister: Getty Images) said.
Seacrest's hosting gig on "Idol" is but one brick in his ever-growing media empire, including his ongoing radio program "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," his production company Ryan Seacrest Productions (which is responsible for E!'s popular stable of Kardashians-related programming), his hosting duties on "New Year's Rockin' Eve," and his recent agreement to contribute to NBC's Olympics coverage.
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“The legions of fans, amazingly talented contestants, judges, and producers, along with the hard working 'Idol' crew, impress me every time we go on air and make hosting the show a dream job," Seacrest added. "I especially appreciate the support and confidence of Peter Rice, Mike Darnell and the entire Fox team – as well as the support of everyone at FremantleMedia North America – and I look forward to continuing our partnership.”
"Idol" creator and executive producer Simon Fuller praised Seacrest as "the consummate host" and "an exemplary professional."
"Having Ryan continue to be a part of the "American Idol" family is great news for everyone,” Fuller said of the re-up.
Darnell, president of alternative entertainment at Fox, noted Seacrest's "ability to engage the viewers, keep the contestants at ease during intense moments and adapt to any situation, especially during the live shows … we can't imagine doing this show without him.”
Seacrest has been a constant for a show that has seen more than its share of upheaval in the last few years. The departure of original judge Simon Cowell to create the American version of "The X Factor," as well as the ouster of judges Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi, have added an air of tumult to the show.
New judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez returned for their second season of the series in January.