Wait, Does Ryan Seacrest Get Paid to Host 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'?

It's just not New Year's Eve without watching the ball drop in Times Square!

The event began being televised in the 1950s (it was broadcasted on radio years before that), but it really morphed into what it is today during the 70s, when American Bandstand host Dick Clark turned it into more of a specular, with some of the biggest names in music joining him for the countdown. In fact, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve has reportedly been the number 1 New Year's Eve special for 30 years.

Since 2005, Ryan Seacrest has been the host of the program, and each year, it has gotten bigger and better. For example, this year, there will be multiple correspondents (Jeannie Mai and Dayanara Torres), and Rita Ora as co-host. But Ryan will remain as the primary host (after all, it's now called Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest). And as fans watch him pull out all the stops for the 19th year in a row, you might be wondering if he gets paid for the gig, and if so, how much?

Does Ryan Seacrest get paid to host 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' special?

He sure does. In addition to all that he makes as host of American Idol (and soon what he'll rake in as Pat Sajak's replacement on Wheel of Fortune), Ryan gets $1 million for the night. That number was reported backed in 2013, so it's quite possible that he now gets even more for his time, especially considering ABC just extended its deal with the program to 2029, according to Variety. On top of hosting, Ryan is also an executive producer for the event.

Ryan recently told Good Morning America that it's an "adrenaline rush" to host the special, and that's what keeps him going. "To think about being under that ball at midnight, it's such a bucket list opportunity that I get to do every year," he said.

As for what fans can expect on December 31, look for performances by Cardi B, LL Cool J, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter and so many more.

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