'American Idol' To Lose Money On Season 13

'American Idol' Will Lose Money This Season, And J-Lo's Salary Is Partly To Blame
Ryan Seacrest attends the American Idol XIII premiere event, at UCLA, Royce Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision for Fox/AP Images)
Ryan Seacrest attends the American Idol XIII premiere event, at UCLA, Royce Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision for Fox/AP Images)

This news is definitely not music to the ears of "American Idol" execs.

TMZ reports that the popular singing show will lose money this year, for the first time in its 13 season run.

Granted, the vast majority of television shows, scripted or not, never make it to a 13th season, but the wild success of "American Idol" still makes it rather surprising to hear that the show won't be making any money this time around.

Apparently, the deficit will come as a result of decreased ratings and sky-high salaries. According to Daily Mail, Jennifer Lopez is making $17.5 million for her appearance this season, while Ryan Seacrest will nab around $15 million in his position as host.

The show also reportedly spent $5-7 million on a new set, and is continuing to pay two executive producers who were fired at the end of last season. Another $5 million is going toward viewer phone calls.

Despite the bleak outlook, TMZ says it's been told that "American Idol" will almost definitely see a 14th season, in part due to the fact that "The X Factor" was so recently canceled -- getting rid of "American Idol" would simply leave FOX with too much vacant airtime.

Before You Go

Randy Jackson

American Idol Judges Through The Years

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