Is This Ryan Seacrest's Swan Song?

Rumors are flying fast and furious that this could be Ryan Seacrest’s last season as the host of “American Idol”…

“The Hollywood Reporter” reports that Ryan is in the final year of his contract and negotiations will begin soon for a new deal. The report says Ryan is expected to play hardball since he’s so in demand these days—which lends a little credence to my theory that someone from Ryan’s camp leaked the story that “Today” is wooing Ryan as a potential Matt Lauer replacement. But a source tells “THR” that FOX believes they can replace Ryan for much less money.

Having seen what FOX considers a good alternative—Steve Jones of “The X Factor”—I think the network and the show’s producers should give Ryan whatever he wants…

Or maybe if they dump him, he could take over “The X Factor.” Hmmm…

Photo Credit: Sam Jones/FOX