Katy Perry to Receive $25 Million to Judge 'American Idol' Contestants

Katy Perry is getting $25 MILLION to judge "American Idol" ... this according to sources familiar with the negotiation.

Multiple sources say ABC was desperate to sign a name before the Upfronts last week, when executives announced she was the lead judge. As one source put it, "Katy had all the leverage. If ABC ended up announcing the show without a judge, they'd be screwed."

Back in 2012 'American Idol' was trying to get Katy as a judge but she rejected the network's $20 mil offer. I guess 2nd time, and an extra $5 Million is the charm

ABC tried to get Kelly Clarkson but at the last minute she jumped ship and went to NBC's "The Voice." NBC also snagged Jennifer Hudson.

It's also being rumored that ABC is "on the verge" of signing the deal with Ryan Seacrest to host the show. Sources connected with the first run of 'Idol' say Ryan was making $15 mil a season at his high point. We're told Jennifer Lopez was also raking in $15 mil a season. 

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