'American Idol' Will Lose Money For First Time Ever Thanks To Stars' Ridiculous Salaries
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/530cc722eab8ea7e512de3fa-800-/jennifer-lopez-ryan-seacrest-randy-jackson-american-idol-2.png" border="0" alt="Jennifer Lopez Ryan Seacrest Randy Jackson American Idol" width="600" />
"American Idol" has been one of the most successful reality competition shows of all time <span>-</span> until now.
The show that once made billions of dollars in profits will actually lose money in its current 13th season, multiple sources connected with the show tell TMZ.
The projected losses are a result of <span>sky-high salaries and </span>decreased ratings. This week, the Olympics pushed "Idol" ratings to a record low <span>with 9.2 million viewers.</span>
Here's a breakdown of the show's massive current costs, per TMZ:
<ul>
<li>Judge Jennifer Lopez's salary: N<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">orth of $15 million. (</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span>MailOnline<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> reports Lopez made </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">$17.5 million deal to return to her judge post a third season. She is considered the bigger star on the judges panel which also includes singers Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.)</span></li>
<li>Host Ryan Seacrest's salary: N<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">orth of $15 million</span></li>
<li>New set:<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> B</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">etween $5 and $7 million</span></li>
<li>Viewer phone calls:<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> $5 million</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">They are also still paying the salaries of two executive producers who were fired last season.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 15px;">And with </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 15px;">ratings down 26% from last season, so are advertising dollars.</span>
<span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 15px;">Yet despite the financial loss, don't expect "Idol" to be axed from the airwaves anytime soon.</span>
<span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 15px;">TMZ reports the show will be back for a 14th season next year thanks to Simon Cowell's other baby, "X Factor," getting cancelled <span>- leaving plenty of Fox airtime for "Idol."</span></span>
<b>See Also:</b>
<ul><li>Here's What The 'Today Show' Hosts Look Like Without Makeup</li><li>A Quiet Scandal In ‘House Of Cards' Could Become A Huge Issue [SPOILERS]</li><li>Seth Green Explains Why Ben Affleck Will Be A Horrible Batman</li></ul>
SEE ALSO: Networks, Netflix, And What Makes 'House Of Cards' A 'Hit' Show In Today's TV Landscape