American Idol Cast Prepare for Season 9

American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest is in the process of negotiating a new contract with 19 Entertainment for the next three years. TV Guide reports that Seacreast currently makes a little less than $5 million a year, about $100,000 an episode, making him one of the highest paid reality TV hosts. This new contract will include more than just his salary – Seacrest will also have some collaboration power with the show's producer, Simon Fuller. It's still in the works, but it sounds like Seacrest is very enthusiastic to stay with the "Idol" family.

Also resigning with 19 Entertainment are judges Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi. The general consensus is that they too will be back for Season 9.

The villain of the reality show, Simon Cowell, has his contract continue through this next season, but then has to sign a new contract. TV Guide goes on to report that Entertainment 19 is offering Cowell between $108 million to $144 million a year! That blows Seacrest out of the water.