Ryan Seacrest Knocks Simon Cowell off No. 1 Perch
by Elizabeth Sexton
Remember the playful "American Idol" banter between Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest?
Back-and-forth, Cowell would insinuate something about Seacrest’s sexuality and Seacrest would crack on Cowell’s judging style.
After pushing Cowell out of the No. 1 spot on the Reality Power List, Seacrest may have a “look who’s laughing now” situation on hand.
The producer-radio/television host leads The Hollywood Reporter's list of the 50 biggest industry moguls in reality television. The rankings did not take “The X Factor” into consideration, which put Cowell at No. 6 this year. At the same time, Seacrest moved up from his No. 5 spot in 2010.
According to THR, the rankings are generated by quality, innovation, involvement in shows, impact on pop culture and “the ‘watercooler’ factor” which is the ability to “create dramatic, comedic and can’t-miss TV moments.
Seacrest not only get’s props for his work on “American Idol,” he’s most recent reality success includes an Emmy for "Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution"; all the "Keeping Up with The Kardashians" spinoffs; and the overall fact that his brand reaches more than 35 million people weekly.
Other notable shifts on the list include an upgrade for Lifetime and History head Nancy Dubuc (at No. 5 from No. 15), “Jersey Shore” producer SallyAnn Salsano (No.10), and Morgan J. Freeman who produces “Teen Mom” (No. 24). Kris Jenner rounds out the list at No.50 for her contributions to the Kardashian empire.