Ryan Seacrest will likely return as American Idol host after finalizing MASSIVE new deal

While Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have all confirmed they’ll be back as judges for American Idol season three, the show is still without a host. 

But fans won’t have to wait much longer for news, with Ryan Seacrest reported to be near the end of a massive negotiation deal with Disney. 

While the 44-year-old already snagged close to $15 million to host the show back in 2017, he’s set to end up with much more this time round.  

‘Ryan will likely return as host for a third season of American Idol on ABC, as its longtime host,’ reported a TMZ source on Tuesday. 

‘The reason the deal hasn’t been signed … he’s currently in talks with Disney honchos for a huge contract that goes way beyond ‘A.I.’ and Live with Kelly and Ryan.’ 

The insider dished that the radio and TV star’s new deal will include his hosting gigs as well as some production deals for new television shows that will be produced through his production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions.   

Money talks: ‘Ryan will likely return as host for a third season of American Idol on ABC, as its longtime host,’ reported a TMZ source on Tuesday

And perhaps Ryan is even closer to signing the dotted line after being spotted on Monday night with the Disney TV Chairman, Peter Rice. 

The duo were seen enjoying a dinner meeting together in New York City at the restaurant, Marea. 

And while $15 million for the hosting gig already seems extravagant for the average person, it was nothing compared to Katy Perry’s $25 million salary when she first signed on as a judge.  

According to reports at the time, Ryan was asking for a much less $15 million – while the execs offered him $10 million. 

They reportedly met in the middle – with the final offer said to be closer to the $10 million side.

Salary: And while $15 million for the hosting gig already seems extravagant for the average person, it was nothing compared to Katy Perry’s $25 million salary when she first signed on as a judge

All the money talk comes after it was announced on Monday that Katy, Luke, Lionel as well as in-house mentor, Bobby Bones, would be returning for the third season of American Idol.  

‘”American Idol” is the original music competition series,’ the president of ABC Entertainment, Karey Burke, said in a statement yesterday. 

‘It was the first of its kind to take everyday singers and catapult them into super-stardom, launching the careers of so many amazing artists.’  

‘We couldn’t be more excited for Katy, Luke, Lionel, and Bobby to continue in their roles as ‘American Idol’ searches for the next great music star, with more live episodes and exciting, new creative elements coming this season.’ 

Auditions for season three began in New York City on July 23, and will continue across the U.S. until September 21.

Season three of the hit singing competition show will premiere spring 2020.

Gang’s back! All the money talk comes after it was announced on Monday that Katy, Luke, Lionel as well as in-house mentor, Bobby Bones, would be returning for the third season of American Idol