Ryan Seacrest Makes Bank, Talks Bank

Ryan Seacrest literally rubs shoulders with Donald Duck while taping the 2009 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade for ABC at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

The 34-year-old American Idol host, who reportedly pulled in $38 million this past year, is producing a new series that unites a panel of celebrities to dish out money to people with the most compelling needs for cash. The panelists include Candy Spelling (Tori Spelling‘s mom), poker phenom Vanessa Rousso, Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson and Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton.

“It’s not business opportunities people are pitching,” Sean tells Access Hollywood. “It’s that anyone can come in front of us at any time to ask for money for anything. It’s the most fun, surreal experience you could ever imagine. I can tell you right now, there’s never been a show like this on the air. Ryan’s a genius.”

Ryan added, “The idea’s simple, we are giving away tons of money to everyday people to alleviate the stress of today’s climate and have fun!”

Bank of Hollywood premieres Monday, December 14 @ 10PM ET/PT on E!