Thursday, September 17, 2009

WILL RYAN SEACREST CAPTURE AN EMMY?


"Simon has placed himself as far away from Los Angeles on Emmy night as possible, just in case I happen to get lucky enough to win one," American Idol host Ryan Seacrest told eonline recently at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel. He was there to celebrate his ad campaign for Scope Outlast and Crest Plus Scope Outlast toothpaste.

Seacrest is nominated for Outstanding Reality Host.

"He's confirmed he will be in London just so he's not there in case of the little possibility that I walk away with it," Seacrest laughed.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

BEN STILLER WANTS RYAN SEACRESTS TWITTER FOLLOWERS



When Ben Stiller learned that Twitterer and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has over 2 million followers, he asked for help in building his own following.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

DOES THE X FACTOR CONTESTANT DANYL JOHNSON LOOK LIKE RYAN SEACREST?


The 27-year-old school teacher, Danyl Johnson, who wowed American Idol judge Simon Cowell during The X Factor auditions has been said to resemble Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

"Even the man in the white T-shirt, Simon Cowell gave the Ryan Seacrest lookalike a standing ovation," reported thespoof.com.

Everyone is likely to have their own opinions as to whether Johnson actually looks like Seacrest, but one thing is for certain -- they both undoubtedly have exciting careers ahead.

Monday, August 24, 2009

TWEETS FROM AMERICAN IDOL HOST RYAN SEACREST

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, forever active on Twitter, offered a pretty fun link -- saying, "Check out this video..insane...apparently took 1500 hours to make."

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

He also offered a glimpse of "randy's look on flight 2 Dallas 4 Idol...shin skin! does he think we r doing project runway?"

CLICK HERE TO SEE "SHIN SKIN"

Thursday, August 20, 2009

RYAN SEACREST STANDS ON BOX -- REPORTEDLY TO APPEAR TALLER


American Idol host Ryan Seacrest apparently taped some TV segments outside of Idol auditions while "standing on top of a large box to appear taller for cameras," reported buzznet. That article lists Seacrest at 5 ft 8.

"According to Ryan John Seacrest he is 5 ft 9, but some other people say that he is not much (taller) than 5 ft 6," cites news.puggal.

One person posted on yahoo, "When I tried out for American Idol, I had the opportunity to stand next to Ryan Seacrest. I am 5' 7" tall, and Mr. Seacrest was about half a head shorter than me."

Regardless of his actual height, Seacrest has proven himself to be a "big" draw on the American Idol television show -- and likely that is the only kind of big that Idol execs care about. And, of course, fans love Seacrest at whatever his height actually is!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

AMERICAN IDOL AND PAULA IN "TALKS" AGAIN -- PERHAPS SHE WILL RETURN TO THE SHOW AFTER ALL


When Dancing With The Stars execs revealed how badly they wanted Paula on that show, apparently American Idol execs began to see that it might be good to keep Paula on the Idol judging panel after all, according to reports. It is not by any means a done deal, but "talks" are at least a positive sign for everyone who wants Paula returned to the Idol judging panel.

“The people at the very top of ABC were really vocal about getting her (Paula) on board for ‘Dancing,” msnbc quoted a source familiar with talks between the network execs and the Idol former judge. “By not exactly keeping it secret, it made Paula’s value more apparent to Fox.”

The negotiations are called “talks” by msnbc – “since dubbing them ‘negotiations' suggests that one side is budging.

“Paula isn’t lowering her price in any meaningful way. She wants a Seacrest-level deal,” msnbc quotes the source. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest reportedly inked a three-year, $45 million deal.

“If there is a scenario that gets Abdul back on the show, it’s likely that her return would be limited to the live shows only, according to several people who are close to the talks. This will allow the original offer made by the show to stand, but Abdul would have a shorter time commitment,” offers the msnbc article.

ABC was extremely disappointed that they were unable to nap Paula. “They didn’t really want Tom DeLay as their most-buzzed-about contestant,” a source told msnbc.

Throughout the summer Abdul has always expressed that she wanted to return to the American Idol judging panel – and there has been chatter that her friend and fellow judge Simon Cowell has been supporting her behind the scenes. Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi have apparently been supportive as well.

So with talks resumed and a real possibility that she might be back on Idol, it is no wonder that Paula sounds so happy in her Twitter messages.

One of Paula’s recent Tweets reads, “thx for all the support. Never give up on your dreams. Fight for what you believe in. And never stop believing in yourself. xxP”

Another reads, “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”

It seems that Paula may be thinking very positively these days!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

FOLLOWING PAULA ABDUL CLUES -- MIGHT SHE RETURN TO AMERICAN IDOL?


Obviously, something has Paula Abdul expecting that she will be back to work shortly! And does a Twitter to a Ryan Seacreast-type address mean that she is staying in touch with her old Idol pals? Could it be that Paula really does not want to leave her A.I. judging buddies?

On Twitter, Paula wrote, "I feel like a normal girl getting some time off 2 take care of myself & 2 hang out w/family & friends, but it won't be for long!"

That sounds like Paula knows where she is headed -- and that it will happen soon!

She also wrote, "I've never retired. that's why I've lasted in this business for over 20 yrs. I've only scratched the surface. Hang tight! xoP"

Could hang tight mean that an announcement will come soon?

Paula wrote to a Twitter address with a Ryan Seacrest connection, "Hi honey! I hope your having fun on the road. I guess you're in Boston now. I'm doing great! I miss you all! Big Hug & kiss"

Not sure if this Twitter address was for "the" actual Ryan Seacrest, but Boston sounds like the address might be of someone connected with the show.

On Aug 14th that same address posted some Paula related Tweets: a retweet of Paula's quote, "'The best way out is always through' - Robert Frost,". And it had a @PaulaAbdul Follow Friday. And it sent a @PaulaAbdul, "Hang in there kiddo ;)"

Paula also told fans that she was getting medical appointments out of the way. She wrote that she had her teeth cleaned, and added "I was accosted in an underground parking lot with my chiropractor running interference! and it didn't end there! thank god for my officer friend mike who stopped traffic to assist in the great escape"

Paula also wrote that she took her office out to lunch.

Could the lunch have been a celebration -- perhaps of a deal? And were the medical appointments to clear the schedule for upcoming work?

Whatever is going on, Paula seemed in high spirits, writing, "I've having a wonderful weekend!" and "Hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend! What a beautiful day to get outside!"

Leaving Paula's Twitter messages aside, there is word that Paula really wants to be back on American Idol. "Sources connected to Paula Abdul say Miss Paula wants back on 'American Idol," reports TMZ.

"Our sources say Paula's Twitter is retracted -- at least in her mind -- if the price is right. As we first reported, the magic number is $10 million," continues TMZ.

Also, Paula's meetings with ABC "didn't really go anywhere," said TMZ. "She doesn't want to do 'Dancing with the Stars' -- we're told, in no small part, because she wants to be able to jump on a plane at a moment's notice to rejoin her fellow judges on 'Idol.'" As the story goes, Paula also got miffed at the producers of "Ugly Betty" for leaking that they were talking to her about doing the show -- "She's not going to do it now," added TMZ. "As for 'Idol,' as far as we know they've been pretty hard-nosed and haven't contacted her reps, but we're not positive. In the end, we're thinking 'A.I.' isn't gonna let a little Twitter torpedo one of its golden geese."

But TMZ posted an update revealing that Paula was sighted at Boa on Saturday night -- that she "didn't quite know ... whether or not she would be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.' Hmmm ..."

Of course, first American Idol Kelly Clarkson has opined to MYV that she thinks the American Idol/Paula thing is all about "drama" -- and that Paula will return to Idol.

"I totally think they're doing that for drama," Clarkson said. "I know those producers -- they're doing that for drama. She's totally probably going to come back."

So everyone has an opinion and is trying to follow the clues to where Paula will go next.

One clue may come on Monday morning when Dancing With the Stars releases the names of competitors for this season. If Paula's name is not among them, it may be a clue that she has not inked a deal with ABC.

Oh, theurbandaily has reported that Paula "is secretly planning to launch her own daytime talk show -- even if her bosses at American Idol met her ... salary demands for the hit show's ninth season."

"Paula is unpredictable and not afraid to speak her mind -- but she also leads from the heart and really connects with people," theurbandaily quotes its source. "Studio execs feel those are the kind of personal attributes that would make her perfect for a daytime talk show."

So the saga continues. Where will Paula go next? What possible deals are in the works -- or even already spelled out in a possible contract deal?

As Paula wrote on Twitter, her time off "won't be for long."

Friday, August 14, 2009

BECKHAM NOT IN TALKS TO JOIN IDOL PERMANENTLY SAYS HER REP -- ALSO, WHERE WILL PAULA GO?


"She is not in talks to join the show permanently," Victoria Beckham representative Cheryl Maisel told E!News.

When Beckham joined judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for auditions in Boston, speculation heightened that Beckham might be a replacement for Paula Abdul. Cowell, by the way, was the person who contacted Beckham to ask her to guest judge.

Instead, though, Maisel revealed to E!News that Beckham is focusing on efforts aimed at the upcoming Fashion Week.

But while a replacement for Paula is constantly speculated upon, it seems that fans are more interested in where Paula will go than who will replace her.

There are rumors that she will join ABC -- to be a celebrity dancer on Dancing With the Stars, make a guest appearance on Ugly Betty and possibly have a show of her own too. The show will announce its celebrity dancers for the new season on Monday, and the network said that one contender will be on hand for an interview. The question has been asked -- might that mystery contender be Paula?

But So You Think You Can Dance wants her. And Idol Australia wants her too!

Where Paula will end up, so far nobody seems to know! There is lots of speculation, but so far no real answers!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

WILL PAULA END UP ON IDOL (AUSTRALIA OR USA)?


Paula Abdul reportedly has been offered a chance to judge on Idol, but it is Idol in Australia, not Idol in the USA, according to newsday.

The Australian Idols show has “put a request to strike a deal with her in writing,” according to Radaronline. The Australian version of the show should feel like home to Abdul because it is similar to the American version – has four judges and follows an almost identical format.

But rumors are also circulating that there is at least a glimmer of possibility that Paula might return to American Idol! Fellow judge Simon Cowell is reportedly supporting her "behind the scenes."

“Don’t count out a return to ‘American Idol’ for Paula,” a source is quoted on Radaronline. “Sure there are bad feelings, but a last-second return is not out of the question.” That source revealed that Idol judge Simon Cowell has been very supportive of Paula “behind the scenes” – that fellow judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi are also supportive. And, of course, host Ryan Seacrest has said that he wants Paula back on Idol too.

Abdul, of course, has been described as disappointed that she was earning considerably less money than her male counterparts, felt that some show connections failed to do enough to defend her against rumors that she feels cost her endorsement deals – and felt that the addition of DioGuardi to the judging panel was a message from producers that she could be replaced.

The Idol show offered Abdul $5 million, half of what she wanted and far less than earning of both host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell.

But perhaps with a return to contract negotiations, the hurt feelings can be mended and a deal agreed upon.

And while American Idol winners and contestants have overwhelmingly expressed disappointment and sadness that Abdul may not return to Idol, first season winner Kelly Clarkson feels that the situation is actually all about “drama,” reports MTV.

Clarkson, appearing on Morning Mashup Show, opined, “I totally think they’re doing that for drama. I know those producers – they’re doing that for drama. She’s totally probably going to come back.”

Meanwhile, there is no lack of interest in Paula from other possible suitors. And if the offers are good enough, what would it cost Idol executives to bring her back?

There have been rumors that Abdul has been offered a guest spot on “Ugly Betty” – as a temp at Mode who becomes friendly with Amanda. And it is a fact that execs for both “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing For the Stars” have said that they would love for Paula to join their shows.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

RYAN, SIMON AND RANDY AT HEFNER'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM PARTY


American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were among stars who partied with "lingerie-clad" models at the Playboy Mansion on Saturday night.

The annual "Midsummer Night's Dream" party, Hefner's biggest event of the year, was held at the 83-year-old Hef's Hombly Hills home. Men were expected to wear their finest pajamas, while the ladies were to don their skimpiest lingerie.

While the Idol trio's pj's were not described, it was reported that basketball star Shaquille O'Neal wore a pair of Superman boxers and a plain white t-shirt.

A total of 800 guests attended the party -- with the mansion said to be decorated in a Greco-Roman style with ostrich feather fans, painted murals and sequins.

Among guests besides Seacrest, Cowell and Jackson -- were Jon Voight, Jack Osbourne, James Van Der Beek, Shannon Elizabeth, Justin Chatwin, Bridget Marquardt, Shane West, Crispin Glover, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Brett Ratner, Ty Pennington, Bill Maher, Garry Marshall, Pauly Shore, Brody Jenner and David Cassidy.

Performances were given by Three 6 Mafia and Sean Kingston.

SIMON, RYAN AND RANDY SAID TO HAVE PARTIED AT PLAYBOY MANSION


American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson were among stars who partied with "lingerie-clad" models at the Playboy Mansion on Saturday night.

The annual "Midsummer Night's Dream" party, Hefner's biggest event of the year, was held at the 83-year-old Hef's Hombly Hills home. Men were expected to wear their finest pajamas, while the ladies were to don their skimpiest lingerie.

While the Idol trio's pj's were not described, it was reported that basketball star Shaquille O'Neal wore a pair of Superman boxers and a plain white t-shirt.

A total of 800 guests attended the party -- with the mansion said to be decorated in a Greco-Roman style with ostrich feather fans, painted murals and sequins.

Among guests besides Seacrest, Cowell and Jackson -- were Jon Voight, Jack Osbourne, James Van Der Beek, Shannon Elizabeth, Justin Chatwin, Bridget Marquardt, Shane West, Crispin Glover, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Brett Ratner, Ty Pennington, Bill Maher, Garry Marshall, Pauly Shore, Brody Jenner and David Cassidy.

Performances were given by Three 6 Mafia and Sean Kingston.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

IT APPEARS THAT AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE SIMON COWELL WILL APPEAR ON THE SHOW FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE YEARS


American Idol judge Simon Cowell is expected to remain on Idol for at least another three seasons, according to SKX chairman and CEO Robert Sillerman.


Sillerman, in a quarterly and six-month earnings report conference call indicated that Cowell is finalizing a deal with Fox that will keep him on American Idol for another three years.


Cowell has for months implied that he was tired of continuous travel between Britain and the US – and might actually cut back on his U.S. schedule and instead concentrate more on his work in Britain.


“We’ve heard from Fox, who has asked us for approval for Simon Cowell to appear for three more years on Idol,” Sillerman explained. “They, in their negotiations with Cowell, have asked us to pre-approve him not only for ‘American Idol’ 09, which has begun taping, but they have also asked us for approval for ’10 and ’11, indicating to us that they’re finishing their negotiations with Cowell. We did grant approval for that, quite obviously.”


No financial details regarding Cowell’s contract negotiations were revealed, but rumors are that Cowell may garner something in the neighborhood of $45 million under a new deal – an increase over the reported $36 million under his current contract.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest recently inked a three-year, $45 million deal for a return to Idol and other projects. Judge DioGuardi also has signed to return to Idol. And judge Randy Jackson is under contract through the coming season.

But the show’s connections and judge Paula Abdul apparently suspended contract negotiations when they failed to reach a meeting of the minds on her salary. Both Fox and Abdul have indicated that she will not return to the American Idol show.

Monday, August 10, 2009

AFTER CUTTING A CONTRACT DEAL WITH SEACREST, IDOL CONNECTIONS STILL HAVE BEEN SHOPPING AND BUYING


After American Idol connections finished contract negotiations with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and apparently ceased contract negotiations with judge Paula Abdul, they still were not finished with wheelings and dealings.

American Idol creator Simon Fuller’s company 19 Entertainment over the weekend announced the acquisition of a 51 percent stake in UK-based Storm Model Management Ltd, the agency that’s roster includes models Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Cole, Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova, Carla Bruni and Emma Watson.

This, of course follows Idol connections' $45 million deal with Seacrest that keeps him as host of its popular American Idol television show and apparently working on other projects. And it comes just weeks after the Idol executives and Idol judge Paula Abdul failed to reach a meeting of the minds in setting her salary to return to Idol.

Apparently Fuller and Storm’s owners have spent more than a year working the deal expected to “create new joint entertainment platforms for its talent, as well as developing the Storm brand in new and exciting directions.”

“With 19 moving more into the world of fashion and style, the opportunity to join forces with Storm … was irresistible,” commented Fuller. “Together we can push the boundaries, blur the lines and redefine what a model agency should be in this fast-moving world where fashion is playing an increasingly important role in setting and reflecting culture and tastes.”

19 Entertainment also revealed that its growing fashion portfolio includes a joint venture with Fashionair.com, Victoria Beckham’s critically acclaimed dress collection which sits alongside her denim and sunglasses lines, a multimillion-dollar fragrance partnership with Coty, and a joint venture with designer Roland Mouret.

CKX reported that the “deal is a continuation of (its) mission to form partnerships with high-value entertainment companies or individuals” – and lists among its current roster Muhammad Ali Enterprises, Elvis Presley Enterprises, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, “American Idol” and “many others.”

Also, in a separate financial announcement today, CKX chairman and CEO Robert Sillerman said, “I am pleased at where the company sits at this time.”

SKX, for the six months ended June 30, 2009, saw revenue increase to $161.0 million from $153.7 million for the comparable period in 2008, according to the report. Operating income is listed as having declined from $45.3 million in 2008 to $34.8 million. And the 2009 results were said to include a “non-cash swing of $6.0 million in foreign exchange losses, as well as %5.8 million in unusual one-time costs.”

However, skipping to comments on American Idol, the report reads, “Revenue was flat at 19 Entertainment as new television programming offset declines in American Idol. The decrease in revenue attributable to American Idol was due to reduced foreign syndication revenue, lower ratings bonuses and weaker on and off air sponsorship revenue resulting from the global recession.”

“The predictability of our core business permitted us to more than double our development budget for 2009,” commented Sillerman. “With American Idol increasing its lead among the key demographics to unprecedented heights, with So You Think You Can Dance beginning an additional season in September of this year, with attendance at Graceland running ahead of last year in this quarter and with the Las Vegas-based Cirque du Soleil show on track to open at the end of this year, the base of our business continues to be solid. With others cutting back on development, we anticipate greater opportunities in both Television and Internet opportunities.”

19 Entertainment CEO Simon Fuller said, “I could not be more excited by the diversity and quality of our forthcoming projects. With the decision to invest more time and resource into a strong development programme, this initiative is now beginning to bear fruit. We are negotiating new TV shows in reality, comedy, drama and music, including an intriguing multimedia show that will push the boundaries of television, the Internet and live events. With our Sport, Fashion, Music and online presence also growing, 19 and CKX have more new initiatives than ever before.”

19 Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc., has relationships and partnerships with “some of the biggest names in sports, music and fashion, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Claudia Schiffer, Roland Mouret and world tennis No. 3, Andy Murray.”

Sunday, August 9, 2009

IDOL EXECS MAY BE WILLING TO LET PAULA GO, BUT SHE HAS PLENTY OF OTHER SUITORS


Who will win the competition to have Paula Abdul headlining their show? "So You Think You Can Dance" wants her, possibly as guest judge and choreographer. "Dancing With the Stars" apparently wants her too!

Ryan, Simon and Randy all say they love Paula -- that they are stunned that Paula is leaving and wish that she would be back on the show. Fans love Paula. And reports are surfacing that plenty of network execs, other than from Idol, think that Paula is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

"Now that Abdul is a free agent, she's already a hot commodity to networks looking to chip away at AI's ratings during this rare moment of weakness," read an article in Rolling Stone.

Back when Kara DioGuardi joined the American Idol judging panel, some fans raised eyebrows, and wondered if Fox was auditioning her -- to replace Paula. But in recent days both DioGuardi and Fox have said that was never the case -- that replacing Paula was never on the minds of Fox execs.

Still, in affairs of the heart, often the truth is shrouded in tales of "we still care about each other" and "we will always be friends." Fox's announcement of Paula's departure held that familiar tone. And of course, with break-ups, words get spoken and feelings get hurt. And generally those promises of "we will still be friends" lasts not much longer than it takes to speak those words.

Opinions seem overwhelming that Fox is making a mistake! Folks ask how could Fox let their arguably third biggest draw of their number one reality show simply walk away without really trying to keep her? Fans opine that Idol execs didn't mind coughing up big bucks for host Seacrest -- and will likely do the same for Simon when his new contract is finalized. But why not pay Paula? Is Fox like the fox in the hen house -- caught red handed for stealing Paula all of these years, now sheepishly hiding behind its insinuations that Paula is actually considerably less valuable to Idol than Ryan and Simon?!

Judging by the $3 million to $4 million dollar figures being tossed about as possibly Paula's most recent salary -- most Idol fans think that Paula has been Fox's biggest bargain of all!

Idol contestants love Paula and do not understand why she will not be back. They viewed her as "motherly" -- like the kindly mother hen with a watchful eye to make certain that they were doing well and treated right. They say she cared -- was the judge with a tender heart.

If anything, they say that Paula helped Fox! She made Fox look good -- giving Idol an appearance of feeling concern for its young contestants. And they say she helped Simon. Her tenderness countered Simon's sometimes harsh critiques, allowing him the luxury of speaking the harsher words without giving fans the feeling that the contestants were being picked on.

But no matter -- because it looks like there are plenty of suitors for the lady who has captured America's heart. Producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe has wanted Paula for "So You Think You Can Dance" from the get go -- saying that Fox was crazy to let her go and that he would be happy to welcome her as a guest judge/choreographer on his show.

ABC's entertainment president Steve McPherson said that he would love to see Paula as a judge on "Dancing With the Stars!" In fact, he said that he would love her either as a "participant or a contestant."

So why is Fox letting their gem walk away? Are they trying to save face after paying her a bargain salary for years? Or is Fox simply like the boy that has fallen out of love with the girl -- jilting Paula and trying to quickly move on to a new love?

Whatever the reasons, it seems that Fox's lovey-dovey feelings for Paula are not there -- and Fox is acting the boy that dumps the girl and can't wait to get out of town.

But if Paula does not suit Fox executive's fancy -- there are suitors who appreciate her sweetness and her cute, spunky and sparkling personality. Simply, where Fox may have fallen out of love -- there are plenty of others who feel differently!!

Perhaps, in the end, the best advice for Paula -- go with someone who loves you!!!!

KRIS ALLEN, DAVID COOK AND ADAM LAMBERT 'ROCK IT OUT OF THE PARK" IN GOOD MORNING AMERICA SERIES CONCERT!

America has to hand it to Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson! The three American Idol judges knew what they were doing when they headed Kris Allen, David Cook and Adam Lambert off to Hollywood and hailed their performances in the heated vocal competition!

And so did American Idol host Ryan Seacrest who so often and so aptly introduced and touted the trio on the AI show!

Today Allen wears the crown of 2009 American Idol. David Cook's crown is for 2008. And Adam Lambert, while carrying the 2009 first runner-up tag, is every bit as talented as the winner's and considered on an even footing with them with most fans.

Recently the three Idol representatives put on what has to be called a "rockin' great show" in the Good Morning America series in Central Park. The trio simply "rocked it out of the park".

Allen wowed the crowd with a "never been better" "Heartless" by Kayne West -- a number from the American Idol tour set list and a particular favorite with fans.



David Cook performed his hit, "Come Back to Me."



And equally as popular as Idol winners, Lambert covered Muse's "Starlight."



An unexpected highlight of the show occurred when Cook brought this year's Idol duo onto the stage to assist with a completely amazing rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies." The three Idol alumni traded verses -- screamed in delight! It was American Idol great all over again -- at its very best!



Over and over it seems that Ryan, Simon, Paula and Randy applauded real winners. And the real winners in the Central Park concert were the happy and screaming fans!

Friday, August 7, 2009

AMERICAN IDOL IS NOT PAYING SEACREST $15 MILLION A YEAR FOR WORK ON IDOL, FOX EXEC SAYS



Rumors that Seacrest inked a deal that increased his American Idol paycheck to $15 million a year are not accurate, said Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice.

Seacrest, Rice explained, is not actually getting paid that amount for his work on Idol -- and, in fact, his contract with the show has not changed at all.

Rise said that while Seacrest may have gotten a raise, any additional money that he might earn has nothing to do with his work on American Idol. It would instead stem from a deal between the host and 19 Entertainment parent company CKX.

"Ryan made a deal with CKS," Rice said, "which encompasses much more than just 'Idol.' And Ryan is not being paid $15 million a year to be on 'Idol.'"

Last month Forbes reported that, according to reports, Seacrest did sign a $45 million contract with CKX "to remain with the News Corp-owned Fox show. The deal is believed to give the company exclusivity for Seacrest's on-camera services on broadcast TV."

The article continued, "The eight-figure salary sounds steep, but it's just a small sliver of the fortune the show's producers and distributors enjoy.

"Consider this: American Idol delivered $96 million in revenue for 19 Entertainment last year with gross profit margins ballooning to 77% during the period, according to the financial statements of CKX. FreemantleMedia, the series' production company, is believed to receive somewhere between one-third and one-half of the revenue steams 19 Entertainment sees from the show. Fox and 19 Entertainment declined comment."

"And according to TNS Media Intelligence, which tracks ad spending, the series generated $843 million in ad revenue in its most recent season. An average 30-second spot set Madison Avenue buyers back $707,000, the most expensive regular series ad buy in prime time." And Forbes says that Fox executives have "shrewdly" used the series as a platform to launch or boost other Fox shows.

While it may be true that Seacrest will not collect $15 million a year from Idol work, there hardly seems cause for his fans to worry about his finances. He was ranked #44 on Forbes 2009 Celebrity 100 list -- with his pay listed at $38 million.

And fans need not feel sorry for judge Simon Cowell either. Cowell is ranked #25 on the list with pay set at an even higher $75 million! And, of course, there has been talk that Cowell might not renew with Idol -- and talk that to renew he wants a signficant raise. Fobes wrot, "Most likely scenario: Idol stays, Cowell gets richer."

Forbes, in commenting on Seacrest: "The hardest-working man in entertainment: hosts American Idol, a top 40 radio countdown, E! News and other red-carpet events, plus ABC's New Year's Eve special. In addition to lucrative deals with both ClearChannel Radio and the Comcast Entertainment Group, he develops and produces TV shows, including E's Keeping up with the Kardashians and NBC's Momma's Boys. (He) has endorsement deals with Proctor & Gamble and Coca-Cola."

IDOL AUDITIONS UNDERWAY WITH RANDY, KARA AND VICTORIA BECKHAM


American Idol auditions are underway with Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) sitting in Paula's stead.

The judging panel was interviewed by host Ryan Seacrest on his radio broadcast -- and while all admitted that it was difficult, they say they plan to "make it work" and are excited looking ahead to the coming season.

Randy Jackson explained, "But look, I mean, you know, hey, we gotta try and make it work, man."

Last season's newcomer judge Kara DioGuardi said that she hopes that Paula will reconsider. (But Fox executives have strongly indicated that contract negotiations are concluded and that they will search for Paula's replacement with the expectation of having someone in place by the time Idol is back on the air in January.)

And Beckham, taking Paula's place, said that she is "going to try hard to pout and not shatter the illusion that I'm a moody cow. I don't know if I can, I'm just so happy." And she added, "I want to be nice to people. I know what it feels like to stand there and be judged and how it can feel when nerves really get the better of you."

As for working with judge Simon Cowell, she ccommented, "I'm looking forward to a bit of banter. I hope he does givve me a hard time. I love that, I feed off of that. I think he's great."

AMERICAN IDOL GARNERS EIGHT EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS


Twenty-two reality television shows received a total of 63 nominations in today's announcement of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Award nominees -- with the number of shows and amount of total nominations the highest ever for the reality television genre.

American Idol received eight nominations which ties its previous record in 2005-06, placing it second behind Dancing with the Stars with a count of ten nominations. The show has received one Emmy Award in each of the past two years -- although it was shut-out during its first four years of eligibility even though it received 22 nominations.

American Idol nominations are as follows:

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program
Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Series
Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming
Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) for VMC Programming
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video for a Series