Seacrest re-ups with Idol

SEACREST, IN: Ryan Seacrest will continue as the host of American Idol after re-upping with Fox, the network announced yesterday. According to published reports, the new deal is for two more seasons at $15 million a season. Seacrest, who’s hosted the show since its inception in 2002, provides Idol with some much-needed continuity, as the show battles newer rivals in the high-stakes battle for supremacy in the music-TV wars. “He is an integral part of why ‘American Idol’ is a true phenomenon, and we can’t imagine doing this show without him,” Fox bigwig Mike Darnell said in a statement. Seacrest said that Idol was his “dream job, adding: “For the last 11 seasons, I’ve had the privilege to be a part of one of television’s most iconic shows. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m excited for my journey with American Idol to continue.” (4/24a)