Idol's Seacrest In Line For Big Raise

Host set to sign new deal with top-rated talent show

Ryan Seacrest is about to cash in.

The "American Idol" host is wrapping up a new megadeal with the show's brass that will make him one of the highest-paid TV hosts ever.  

The "Idol" emcee's contract extension would continue his run as host of the top-rated talent competition for three more years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Seacrest, 34, whose pact expires at the end of next season, raked in almost $5 million this season, which breaks down to a paycheck of about $100,000 per episode. 

After traveling to the U.K. last month to discuss terms, Seacreat reached an arrangement that promises a "major pay raise" for continuing his hosting gig and also allows him to develop new projects with 19 Entertainment and Idol creator Simon Fuller, expanding his relationship with the show's production group.

No dollar amount was released and details are being kept under wraps until a joint announcement on Monday with Seacrest's attorneys, "Idol" producers and Fox.

Even with his expected raise, Seacrest is nowhere near the show's top dog salary-wise. Simon Cowell is rumored to be in line for $144 million to sit on the judging panel next season.

In addition to his hosting duties on Fox's "Idol," E! News and a daily radio show, Seacrest has tried his hand at producing with such unscripted series as "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," "Denise Richards: It's Complicated" and ABC's upcoming show starring British chef Jamie Oliver.

Though the ratings for the reality hit have slipped in the past couple of years, "Idol" still tops charts as the highest-rated series on television.

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