Ryan Seacrest to Be Richest Host on Reality TV

Sought-after bachelor Ryan Seacrest has become an even bigger catch: The American Idol host has closed what is believed to be the biggest deal ever for a reality emcee and will triple his current salary, according to the Hollywood Reporter. His new paycheck: $45 million for three years.

In exchange, says the trade paper, Seacrest, 34, will work exclusively for CKX, parent of Idol producer 19 Entertainment. Best of all, the deal only covers broadcast-network work.

Separately, Seacrest will still maintain a cable agreement with Comcast and his gig as E! Entertainment's main anchor. He'll also continue to produce Keeping Up with the Kardashians for E! and a future Jamie Oliver reality series for ABC.

Reps for the producers and for Seacrest had no comment.

With Seacrest's services secured, the Reporter also says that Idol now needs to nail down the future work of judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi. A question mark, however, hangs over a possible new contract for Simon Cowell, who is said to be paid in excess of $100 million a season – and who has made noises about leaving.