Email to a friendINSIDER: RYAN SEACREST’s BONER
AMERICAN IDOL host RYAN SEACREST made a HUGE boo-boo (i.e. boner) by making threats to join old pals Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on “The X Factor” – but it’s just a bluff, insiders tell The ENQUIRER.
The Conglom King, 37, host is entering the final year of a three-year contract and wants a $15 million chunk of the “American Idol” pie to sign up for another season – and OH NO! warns he’ll jump ship if his demands aren’t met.
But network insiders say his ruse will go bust because there’s little chance “X Factor” execs would offer anything close to his demands, especially when current host Steve Jones makes a fraction of big boodle..
“Simon is chuckling at the idea of Ryan using him as leverage to bump up his ‘Idol’ deal,” an insider told The ENQUIRER.
“He’s actually been vacationing in the Caribbean with a gaggle of beautiful women, and I can assure you that Ryan Seacrest is the last thing on his mind.
“They haven’t even spoken.”
Still, Ryan is said to feel underappreciated by “Idol” producers and is genuinely upset.
“He told FOX he won’t re-up when his ‘Idol’ contract expires,” said the source.
“Ryan’s been bragging that Simon wanted him on board ‘X Factor’ all along – and he says Paula would be thrilled to have the three ‘Idol’ cast members back together again.
“In fact, he’s so mad now he hinted that he might be willing to work for less just to get away from ‘Idol.’ ”
Ryan and comedian Brian Dunkleman were the initial co-hosts of “Idol” in 2002, but Brian left after one season, leaving Ryan alone to shepherd the show to top ratings.
He’s branched out since then, making millions with his own radio show, hosting and producing various programs on the E! Network as well as the annual “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
The glib star also emceed the 59th Emmy Awards and produces all the reality shows of the Kardashians.
But he’s best known for “Idol,” and it ultimately seems likely to stay that way.
“Ryan’s threat to jump ships is just part of his renegotiation for ‘Idol,’” revealed a production source who’s worked for both shows.
“We’ve seen IT before with him.”
