Ditching Kelly Ripa? Ryan Seacrest Fighting Simon Cowell For ‘American Idol’ Return

Will he be leaving Kelly Ripa in the dust?

Live co-host Ryan Seacrest is still gunning for a coveted position on the American Idol reboot, and the mogul is fighting Simon Cowell for a lucrative deal, RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal.

As RadarOnline.com reported, American Idol is coming back to TV in 2018. And Seacrest, 42, was expected to return to host.

But that plan hit a roadblock after it was revealed new Idol judge Katy Perry would be pocketing $25 million for her services, while Seacrest was offered less than half of that.

According to sources close to Seacrest, the host was shocked and angered by the low-ball offer, and was prepared to move on from the show that made him a star.

“He reasons if Katy Perry’s getting $25 million, so should he,” the source said. “But ABC doesn’t want to get into the same situation they got in last time, when they lost money as ratings declined due to fat salaries.”

Meanwhile, Cowell, 57, hasn’t committed to a new season of Idol either, but the insider claims if ABC can coax the OG judge out of retirement, Seacrest may be out!

“The network doesn’t need both of them,” the insider revealed. “If they can get Simon on the judging panel, then Ryan won’t be necessary, and they’ll likely cast him aside.”

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest admitted his desire to stay with the show, but only if he is treated fairly.

“I've always loved the show, and if I could do it forever, I would do it forever," he said. “Who am I if not the American Idol guy?"