Ryan Seacrest Was Left Out Of 'American Idol' New Season Announcement - Here's Why

American Idol‘s three judges – Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan – are all returning for season three, ABC just announced. Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted every season of the show, was left off out of the announcement that the judges were returning, prompting everyone to wonder if he would not return.

Well, TMZ is reporting that Ryan will likely return as the host for the third season but the reason why he was left off is because he has a “huge contract” on the way from Disney that goes beyond just American Idol and Live! with Kelly & Ryan.

The deal will include everything he is doing now, plus a “massive production deal for new TV shows, produced through his production company.”

You can find out the salaries of all the American Idol stars from seasons one and two (and there are some eye-popping numbers!)