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Multiple reports are saying that pop singer Katy Perry stands to receive a whopping USD25 million from ABC to appear as one of the judges in the “American Idol” reboot. TMZ cited multiple sources, who said the paycheck offer was a result of ABC wanting to have a big name attached to the reality competition revival before the company presentation last week.
One of the sources was quoted as saying, "Katy had all the leverage. If ABC ended up announcing the show without a judge, they'd be screwed."
New York Daily News that the USD25 million deal with ABC was a price jump from the USD20 million salary she was offered by producers back in 2012, when the show was still airing on Fox. The deal also even surpasses the salary offered to longtime host Ryan Seacrest, who earned as much as USD15 million during his time on “American Idol.” Jennifer Lopez, who was a former judge on the show, was also earning USD15 million during her stay.
Meanwhile, Seacrest is also rumored to return to “American Idol,” TMZ reported. Citing sources, ABC is reportedly “on the verge” of signing Seacrest to the show. For a celebrity who appears to be juggling multiple jobs, returning to hosting duties he has been doing for a long time would be a refreshing idea, if rumors are to be believe that he his already butting heads with a colleague in his latest job. Page Six reported that Seacrest’s hiring as host to Kelly Ripa’s “Live” show is upsetting the latter since ABC acquiring “American Idol” dilutes the network’s attention on its original content, specifically her show.
An insider said Seacrest getting a gig on “Live” and potentially hosting the competition reboot was, in fact, a strategic move on ABC’s part. The insider added, “This isn’t some spur-of-the-moment deal. It’s a part of his move to ABC. It’s a no-brainer. He took the job for ‘Idol’ and to host ‘Live.’ It’s the only way ABC could pay him enough money to come over. They’ll have to announce it before upfronts (where networks present upcoming shows).”
Seacrest’s representative has since denied the rumors and said, “That’s untrue. He does not have a deal with “Idol.” He’s in conversations. His “Live” deal was made independent of any ‘Idol’ discussions. His priority is ‘Live With Kelly and Ryan’ and his radio show.”
