Through good times and bad, American Idol continues to lead in television ratings. The show took their biggest loss a couple of seasons ago when co-creator Simon Cowell departed. Still, ratings are soaring over their competition.

The problem for Fox and Britain's 19 Media is that with a decreasing economy, it is much more difficult to maintain advertising revenue. It is likely that their lead investors Coke and Ford Motor Company have decreased their involvement financially.

The other problem is the host. Seacrest has taken a significant role in the development of the show and has taken his money and production skills to other networks. He has produced shows such as Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve. Fox will pay Seacrest $45 Million to host the 2012 season of American Idol but have already announced that in 2013 (if Seacrest resigns) Seacrest will make less. Much Less.

Seacrest's largest supporter towards his outrageous salary is the other co-creator of Idol, Simon Fuller. Fuller, however, is no longer a part of the show.

New executives claim that there is no reason to pay Seacrest $40-50 million for a job that can be done by somebody else for less than $5 million. We will have to see how it all plays out.

Until then......

"Dear Fox,
I will happily host American Idol for a reasonable amount. 

Kindly,
Aaron England"

It's more than allegations folks, Russell Brand has filed for a divorce with his wife of just over a year, Katy Perry. He has not gone into detail regarding the cause of the divorce, simply stating the standard "irreconcilable differences," Perhaps Katy Kissed a Girl and he didn't like it.  
 
Regardless, the pop-singer and comedian claim that it will not be a sour break-up and that things did not work out for the two of them. They have made a pledge to "...remain friends" and Brand says that they still love each other. I would believe this except, it's Katy Perry and Russell Brand. Who can believe anything that either of them say?

 The divorce will likely be finalized in early 2012. Until then, they are currently spending their holiday season on different continents, another sign of their love for one another I suppose.