Ryan Seacrest to be axed from `American Idol`?

London: Ryan Seacrest, who hosted "American Idol" since its first series in 2002, may soon be dropped from the singing reality show as his three-year contract comes to an end.

According to hollywoodreporter.com, CKx, the parent company of 19 Entertainment, which co-produces the show, is no longer willing to pay $15 mn per season to the 37-year-old presenter. "There`s no way FremantleMedia (who also produce Idol) and CKx will continue to pay Ryan(Seacrest) when he can be replaced for $2m to $3m," dailymail.co.uk quoted a source as saying. Seacrest may indeed be following fellow presenter Steve Jones who after fronting the first season of the US version of "The X Factor" has reportedly been told to leave the show after negative reviews. IANS