There has been a lot of talk as to whether American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will remain on the hit music competition program and if Fox entertainment executives have anything to say about it he’ll remain.

Speaking at the network’s TCA session on Sunday Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly says the network will work incredibly hard to keep Seacrast on their No. 1 rated show right alongside Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

According to Reilly:

“As we know it is a much harder job than meets the eye,” and “I think everyone has come to realize the value of Ryan Seacrest. It’s very hard to imagine [American Idol] without Ryan. We certainly want to keep him.”

Seacrest is currently under a $15 million annual contract that will expire at the end of the shows 11th season and multiple sources say Fox executives want Seacrest to take a pay cut, something Ryan will likely refuse as Jennifer Lopez is said to be earning $20 million for the new season.

While Reilly says the network is working hard to secure a new Ryan Seacrest hosting deal his own representatives have reportedly become frustrated with the entire process. According to one source:

“Fox has been doing nothing, they’e been sitting there. Until [Thursday] they hadn’t called Ryan.”

The ball truly does fall in the court of Ryan Seacreast as he is already a well sought after figure in Hollywood. Aside from his soon to expire Comcast NBAUniversal contract which sees him hosting a daily news shot, red-carpet events and other TV spots he is also a successful producer with his Ryan Seacrest productions creating top-rated shows including the Kardashian franchise and the upcoming Bravo show Shahs of Sunset. Ryan can also be heard on his syndicated radio show On Air With Ryan Seacrest.

Seacrest could potential play his soon to expire NBCUniversal contract off the Fox entertainment offer to weigh his options. It’s not often someone in Seacrest’s position (a show host) can so easily walk away from $10 to $15 million per year but for Ryan his options are quite endless. There’s even talks that Seacrest is being “groomed” to eventually take over for Today Show host Matt Lauer. NBC denies the Today Show rumor but in many ways it would make sense given Seacrest’s crossover appeal and industry connections.

So you think Ryan Seacrest will stay with American Idol and continue to build out his brand elsewhere at the same time. I mean you can literally hear him on the radio, watch him on TV and then watch him report about people on TV and the radio. He’s already everywhere, it’s just a matter of determining if he stayed everywhere all at one.

Ryan Seacrest Likely To Renew American Idol Contract If Fox Execs Have Their Way is a post from: The Inquisitr

No matter how rich and fabulous Beyonce is- and even if you’re covered in spit up and without the assistance of several nannies, much less one, as you’re reading this- it’s difficult not to sympathize with the chart-topping singer in light of this kind of coverage.

Bey and her husband, rapper Jay-Z, took some time out for a pre-baby date over the weekend. The pair kept a somewhat low profile over the holiday, hanging out in Hova’s native Brooklyn at the restaurant Buttermilk Channel. Reportedly dining on oysters and fried chicken, however, poor pregnant Beyonce could not stay out of the glare of nosy onlookers who made some backhanded comments about the star’s appearance to the press. (If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know such remarks get tiresome somewhere around the sixth week, and it always sucks when someone starts telling you you look good for someone who is so fat, ad infinitum.)

Tell me you don’t want to smack whoever said this:

“She looked amazing. She wore sky-high heels. It was really impressive for an enormously pregnant woman… She looked like she was about to give birth.”

The nosy spy continued:

“She was definitely a pregnant lady that night… They sat side by side and had a cozy and intimate dinner. They seemed to be having a lovely time.”

The outing countered rumors that appeared on British tabloid sites, stating that the mom-to-be and the rap guru had been spotted around Brooklyn and that baby Z had already arrived. As of yet, Beyonce has been mum about her due date.

Beyonce, ‘Enormously Pregnant,’ Steps Out in Brooklyn is a post from: The Inquisitr

Despite several circulating rumors that famous singer and occasional actress Beyoncé Knowles gave birth over the holidays, the singer alongside husband Jay-Z were spotted ushering in the New Year at a Brooklyn restaurant, the singer in question still very much pregnant.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé dined at restaurant du jour Buttermilk Channel, partaking in a feast that included fried chicken and oysters. Despite looking as though she was abut to pop at any moment, Beyoncé reportedly looked simply glamorous:

“She looked amazing. She wore sky-high heels. It was really impressive for an enormously pregnant woman,” said the source, adding, “She looked like she was about to give birth.”

The celebrity couple later retired to Beyoncé’s sister Solange’s apartment to see 2011 out properly among family and friends. Beyoncé’s bun isn’t quite ready to come out of the oven just yet, and she celebrated what may be one of her last nights pre-motherhood  alongside her husband. The source continued:

“She was definitely a pregnant lady that night. They sat side by side and had a cozy and intimate dinner. They seemed to be having a lovely time.”

Confusing reports suggesting that Beyoncé had given birth over the holidays were stoked by Ryan Seacrest, host of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2012″. Seacrest introduced a pre-taped video of the singer, clarifying her absence by saying, “Obviously, Beyoncé couldn’t be here tonight because she’s about to give birth to her first child.”

Beyoncé’s baby is one of several celebrity births scheduled for 2012. Joining her are fellow pop singers Hilary Duff and Jessica Simpson.

Seems like Beyoncé is ready to pop at any time, and we’ll be here to report on it whether you like it or not!

What’s your guess as to the baby’s birth date?

Beyoncé’s Still Pregnant, But Looks Ready To Pop At Any Time is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dick Clark will be ringing in the new year again this year for ABC. Clark, who turned 82 last month, has been hosting the annual party on New Year’s Eve for the last 40-years.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Clark will appear in a few segments as the hour approaches midnight, while Ryan Seacrest will be handling the majority of the hosting duties.

Clark’s role on the annual program has diminished since his stroke in 2004. Regis Philbin filled in for Clark that year and in 2005, Ryan Seacrest started taking on the hosting duties. Seacrest’s name was added to the show (Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest) three years ago.

This year, ABC will be airing a tribute to Dick Clark as it looks back on 40 years of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which begs the question: Is this Dick Clark’s last time hosting New Year’s Eve?

Mark Shapiro, the chief executive of Dick Clark Productions, told the NY Times:

“That’s a great question, and the only one that knows that answer is Dick himself.”

Clark hosted his first New Year’s Eve broadcast in 1972 for CBS. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” stayed on CBS for two years before it moved to ABC, where it has been ever since. This year’s show will feature Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Carlos Santana, Pitbull and Hot Chelle Rae.

Will you be watching “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” this year?

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to Celebrate 40th Anniversary is a post from: The Inquisitr

Matt Lauer still has a year on his contract at the “Today” show, but many people are speculating that Lauer will leave at the end of 2012. If he does, NBC could bring in Ryan Seacrest to take his place.

The talk about Lauer’s replacement may be a little premature but according to the Wall Street Journal, NBC executives have been having meetings with Seacrest about how he could contribute to the morning show.

The WSJ reports that Ryan Seacrest met with “Today” show executive producer Jim Bell, NBC News President Steve Capus and senior vice president for marketing and communications, Lauren Kapp Tuesday to talk about the possible hosting gig.

The New York Daily News reports that “Today” is the number one rated morning show. So it looks like NBC executives are just planning ahead at the moment to make sure that they can keep their ratings if Lauer decides to depart when his contract expires in December 2012.

Would you watch “Today” if it was hosted by Ryan Seacrest?

Seacrest already has a good relationship with NBCUniversal. Seacrest hosts a daily show on E! as well as several red carpet events from the network. Seacrest’s contract with NBCUniversal also expires in 2012.

Do you think the American Idol host would make a good replacement for Matt Lauer?

If Matt Lauer Leaves, Ryan Seacrest Could be Next ‘Today’ Show Host is a post from: The Inquisitr

YourTango interviewed the dancer/actress/singer, who revealed what Seacrest means to her. And apparently what he means is free shoes:

“I was in Paris with Ryan, his mom and his sister. He took us to the Christian Louboutin shoe store. It was Ryan’s first shoe store with all of us and he was amazing! He did get all of us those shoes. It was wonderful. He’s always doing amazing things.”

Hough advises those looking for love to ‘go with your gut,’ ‘listen to your instincts,’ and other assorted cliches. But it also helps if your partner is in the same line of work. And buys you Louboutins. Have we mentioned that?

“Ryan and I are both in the entertainment world, which is great because we get the commitment and hours and responsibility. We really understand each other. It’s never one person going, “I have to work these long hours,” and the other saying, “Really?”"

In between this gushing, Hough found a few seconds to mention her new film, describing how she and co-star Kenny Wormald got teary-eyed over shooting the Footloose remake. “The magnitude of what we were about to film hit me hard,” she says, as though it were Lawrence of Arabia.

But hey, the people seem to like the new Footloose. Hough tells tales of those who go into screenings as skeptics, but “leave humming the songs and during the film, they are tapping their feet.”

Will you be one of those people, readers? You will, won’t you? Go on. Admit it.

Julianne Hough Gets Gooey Over Ryan Seacrest is a post from: The Inquisitr

While Jennifer has yet to confirm the deal herself, Lythgoe went “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” this Wednesday to say that Lopez would definitely be returning for the upcoming season of FOX’s hit musical reality TV show.

“I believe we’re still waiting for the official announcements, but I’m delighted to say that all three judges, along with the brilliant host of ‘American Idol,’ is back for the next season,” Lythgoe revealed.

Lopez’s decision to rejoin has been the source of much speculation in Hollywood ever since she told BBC news earlier this summer that she was undecided, adding:

“I had an amazing time doing it and I loved it, but I have a lot of other things happening, and it’s going to come down to making a choice of really what I want to do for the next year.”

In addition to her “Idol” judging role, Lopez – who, along with Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler, made her AI debut last year following the departure of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara Dioguardi – will be working with estranged husband Marc Anthony and Simon Fuller’s XIX and Endemol production teams on the music talent show “Q’Viva!,” which is slated to begin shooting in the fall.

American Idol is scheduled to hit TVs across the country this January, when it will kick off its 11th season.

Listen to the Jennifer Lopez Idol return announcement for yourself below (Fast forward to the 3:24 mark):

Jennifer Lopez Returning For American Idol Season 11? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ryan Seacrest and the Bravo TV network are attempting to create some Jersey Shore type buzz of their own by creating a new reality TV show surrounding the Persian American community and some of their colorful expat community members.

The network announced on Wednesday that Seacrest is working with the network on a show tentatively titled “Shahs of Sunset” which will focus on the often colorful Iranian expat community of Los Angeles.

Seacrest said in a statement:

“The series will offer rich characters and relatable storylines about everyday life — love, work, friendship and family — steeped in a diverse culture, which is wildly entertaining and fun.”

Finding a few expats to feature shouldn’t be hard since more than 800,000 people of Persian ancestry live in the city, most on the Westside. Iranians moved in droves to the country when the shah fell in 1979 and many who came to Los Angeles found success and their lifestyles show those achievements as they drive around in chromed-out cars, carry designer purses and in many cases flaunt their lifestyles just like the kids of the Jersey Shore.

Bravo does add that the younger members of the community aren’t just designer wearing, car flaunting children, they also “know the value of family and tradition.”

Ryan Seacrest will be the shows executive producer, Seacrest is quickly becoming a veteran of the reality TV show business, aside form his time on American Idol he has produced several Kardashian shows and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.

At this time it’s still not clear how the show will be produced, for example will the characters be forced to live together like the cast of Jersey Shore or will they live apart but converse on a regular basis like the networks other hit reality TV show series Real Housewives.

Since Ryan Seacrest and Bravo are still working things out very few  details are known at this time.

Ryan Seacrest Developing Persian-American Reality TV Show For Bravo Network is a post from: The Inquisitr

Julianne Hough and boyfriend Ryan Seacrest were spotted together this week at an exclusive hotel in Miami, Florida. The couple were seen poolside and were accompanied by Julianne’s brother Derek Hough, her mom and an unidentified female friend.

According to UK’s Daily Mail she was wearing a polka dot bikini and a multi-colored top and dove into the pool while Seacrest leaned over to steal a kiss as she emerged from the water.

The power couple have been busy, on Friday they were at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Children’s Hospital opening a new technology suite, an area of the hospital opened with the help of Seacrest’s own foundation.

After the hospital visit Hough tweeted:

“Having a very inspirational and emotional morning meeting kids at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia”.

The couple have been dating since late 2010 and seem to be as happy as ever, Hough told PEOPLE on November 15, 2010:

“I could not be happier,” adding “Everything is wonderful.”

It appears everything is still “wonderful” for the couple.

You can catch Hough in her lead-role for the upcoming Paramount Pictures remake of ‘Footloose’ which will debut on October 14, 2011, the movie co-stars Dennis Quaid.

In the meantime here’s the trailer for the Footloose remake:

Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest Share a Poolside Kiss is a post from: The Inquisitr

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina battled it out on the season finale of American Idol, each singing three songs with their country backgrounds leading the way. It was the first time AI has featured two country singers in the final and a record 122 million votes for their showdown, an idol record, proved that fans were eating up every moment of the final show.

When all was said and done Ryan Seacrest announced that Scott McCreery had won the 10th season of Idol.

While looking on in disbelief Scotty said:

“It’s been a year since me and Lauren Alaina tried out now,” and “We’ve been together since day one and we’re going to stay together. This is just – never in my wildest dreams … I got to thank the Lord first. He got me here.”

At 17-years old Scotty showed experience beyond his years, never faltering in his performances, although his goofy looks while singing were often teased by the judges.

American Idol Season 10 Ends With A Country Singing Winner is a post from: The Inquisitr

After the next season of American Idol ends it’s believed that Ryan Seacrest will leave his $15 million per year job and head for different grounds. Rumors are circulating that the 36-year-old TV/Radio star has begun looking into serving the public, specifically as the future mayor of Los Angeles.

According to his girlfriend Julianne Hough, his “vanilla personal life” would make him a great public servant with no skeletons in his closet.

According to celebrity snitch Janet Charlton:

“Ryan was having dinner at Ago in West Hollywood with some politicians and he was overheard chatting about his ambitions. Another diner listened while Ryan talked about his desire to run for office. ‘The only thing shocking in my past is my school yearbook photo!’ Ryan joked with his dinner companions. He admitted he wants to become mayor of Los Angeles one day…”

Seacrest has begun building quite the business empire, perhaps he actually would make a good mayor. What do you think of “Mayor Seacrest” in Los Angeles?

Ryan Seacrest As Mayor Of A Major City? It Could Happen is a post from: The Inquisitr

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest may be jumping ship from the show that made him famous when his $15 million per year contract is up with Fox at the end of Season 11.

According to reports Seacrest is working on a new rival talent show for NBC that also focuses on the music industry.

According to NBC Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming Paul Telegdy:

“[Ryan Seacrest Productions is working on] another music concept, which is a totally different kind of competition show,” while adding, “It is self-contained episodes. It is a bit more fun. It’s not contestant-competitive, it’s artist-competitive.”

Seascrest is expected to develop “no less” than 8-episodes for the network.

If Ryan leaves American Idol to host a new show for NBC he would have to wait until 2012 to appear on the program, his current American Idol contract with 19 Entertainment restricts him from any other talent show productions through 2011.

Ryan Seacrest Prepping New Music Talent Show For NBC is a post from: The Inquisitr

Disney-owned Dreamworks are one of the scared studios. According to The Hollywood Reporter Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers are affected by the new clauses. God forbid someone should make any free publicity for Shrek 5 or is it 6? (I’ve stopped counting).

This could also explain Miley Cyrus’ Twitter exit earlier this month. The Disney talent contracts forbids confidentiality breaches via “interactive media such as Facebook, Twitter, or any other interactive social network or personal blog.” Dreamworks are restraining eager writers with a similar clause in their contracts regarding sharing of press releases on “a social networking site, blog or other Internet-type site.”

Maybe Ryan Seacrest scared them when he announced Ben Silverman’s resignation as co-chairman from NBC on Twitter before it was officially announced.

Or perhaps it was when Paula Abdul quit American Idol using Twitter?

It could also be because Greg Grunberg tweeted a goodbye to the Heroes crew. “Tough to say goodbye to crew not knowing if any or all of us will return next year.” Fans instantly thought that Heroes wasn’t coming back for another season until he tweeted ” Heroes IS coming back but some crew take other jobs, so it’s tough.”

This is just another example of, why Hollywood is afraid of Twitter and other social networks. They still haven’t seen the benefit of it. Hollywood wake up, you have no idea of the potential. I would worry more about making quality film.

Hollywood Studios to Movie Stars: Stop using Twitter is a post from: The Inquisitr

It appears the recession hasn’t been as hard on the American Idol franchise as it has been on other parts of the entertainment industry.

According to People Magazine:

“Sought-after bachelor Ryan Seacrest has become an even bigger catch: The American Idol host has closed what is believed to be the biggest deal ever for a reality emcee and will triple his current salary, according to the Hollywood Reporter. His new paycheck: $45 million for three years.

In exchange, says the trade paper, Seacrest, 34, will work exclusively for CKX, parent of Idol producer 19 Entertainment. Best of all, the deal only covers broadcast-network work.

Separately, Seacrest will still maintain a cable agreement with Comcast and his gig as E! Entertainment’s main anchor. He’ll also continue to produce Keeping Up with the Kardashians for E! and a future Jamie Oliver reality series for ABC.”

Ryan Seacrest Signs 3 Year American Idol Deal Worth $45 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

The rumor mill went into high gear a couple days ago after Lindsay Lohan and Ryan Seacrest were spotted out together at a late night dinner, but it’s not what everybody thought.

The couple were not a couple, per se – they were discussing buisness – a new reality show.

The day after the rumor mill had a chance to churn out sufficient speculation, mis-informing tens of thousands (maybe millions) of wag-hungry people, Seacrest updated his Twitter page with the real story:

“Met with Lindsay last night about a show idea I have for her, it helps people and gives others a second shot!”

“Still putting it all together.”

Then Lindsay tweeted:

“Working on a really great project for television — I am excited!

Something meaningful like Extreme Home Makeover on ABC. ”

…which immediately sent the rumor mill spinning in a whole new direction, but that’s not the point here.

My question is somewhat naive but still plausable – Why is it that some celebrities are not taking more initiative in their careers by getting themselves a video camera and filming their own lives, the was anyone with a webcam has been able to do lifecasting for the past 2-3 years already?

Here’s my reality show idea:

Lindsay starts out by either getting a video camera herself, or hiring someone to follow her around for a day, or a week, whatever, and streams it live on a site like Justin.tv, Ustream.tv or Stickam.com.

She (or any celeb for that matter) could give it a try to see the response and find out if there’s enough publiv interest to get advertisers and sponsors on board. She becomes the executive producer, writer, star of the show and has complete control over the content, and even interacts with her viewers in the text chats attached on the show’s page.

Advertisers, sponsors and fans would be so excited they’d be peeing their pants to get involved.

So what do you think – wouldn’t you like to see and experience a celebrity’s life virtually through their own eyes? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Ryan Seacrest and Lindsay Lohan to do New Reality TV Show is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jasmine Waltz, the hot L.A. bartender lady everyone is talking about lately, appears to be dating none other than Ryan Seacrest.

Jasmine Waltz and Ryan Seacrest have been spotted together on several occasions, dining in trendy restaurants and going out on the town after they met at Guy’s, a West Hollywood lounge. Waltz has tended bar at several L.A. hot spots, including Les Deux and Italian restaurant Bell while she waits for her big break as an actress.

Sources say “They’ve been together for a few months.” After hosting American Idol last week, Seacrest swept Waltz away for a romantic weekend in Paris where the couple “looked quite comfortable together.”

Jasmine Waltz, Hot L.A Bartender Dating Ryan Seacrest is a post from: The Inquisitr

We’re already 5 minutes in to the new season of American Idol, and already it’s the gift that gives. The latest comes from Ryan Seacrest, who tries to high-five a contestant…who is blind/

In the video below, Scott MacIntyre, cane in hand is oblivious to Seacrest, who goes for the high-five, then recovers by forcing a high-five anyway by grabbing his hand.

Enjoy.

Ryan Seacrest Tries High-Fiving Blind American Idol Contestant Scott MacIntyre is a post from: The Inquisitr

What did poor little Ryan Seacrest do deserve this? Bran Pitt and Angelina Jolie purposely ignored an interview from Ryan Seacrest at the Golden Globes last night in a move that as per the video below was clearly intentional.

It gets better at the end when security steps in to keep Seacrest away from Hollywood’s most powerful celebrity couple.

Enjoy:

Ryan Ryan Seacrest Brangelina Snub Video is a post from: The Inquisitr