RYAN SEACREST JUST GOT $45 MILLION TO STAY ON AMERICAN IDOL!

Seacrest in. Big-time.
Ryan Seacrest has signed a three-year deal worth some $45 million to stay host of "American Idol."

The new deal with 19 Entertainment will pay him $15 million a year, The Hollywood Reporter said.

That's a huge raise - up from $5 million a season.

"Very excited about locking in a deal to host 'Idol' for this season and the following 2," Seacrest wrote on Twitter.

Seacrest is the first piece of the "Idol" contract puzzle to come together, and his signing could be the start of a string of new deals.

For weeks, there's been speculation about judge Simon Cowell's role with the top-rated singing competition show after he said he may leave when his deal expires after the current season.

Cowell is considered the linchpin of the show, so Fox and "Idol" producers are keen to keep him.

Cowell shot down reports that he had signed a $144 million-a-year contract to stay but did confirm that talks are under way.

"I wish. Come off it. It's absolute nonsense. ... Crazy, crazy nonsense," he said Monday on "Extra."

"Speculation. Not true. Nothing . There hasn't been a deal done," Cowell added.

"We're talking to Fox. We have a very good relationship with them," he added - but that still left the door open to his not returning.

"We'll see ," Cowell said. "We are having conversations."

As for Seacrest, the deal announced Monday also includes provisions for his own production company to work with "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller on new projects.

"I'm truly appreciative of being part of a show that has had such an enormous impact on popular culture across all ages," Seacrest said.

"Ryan is without a doubt one of American television's most talented stars," Fuller said.

Besides "Idol," Seacrest also has a radio show in Los Angeles and is host of ABC's annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" special.

"Idol" judge Paula Abdul, whose deal expired at the end of last season, recently said she had been invited to stay with the show, provided they could come to terms.

New judge Kara DioGuardi has said she wants to return, too.

Seacrest seems confident they'll all be back - including judge Randy Jackson.

"Lots of conversations going on behind the scenes, but I fully expect you will see the whole team next year," he tweeted