Ryan Seacrest is the most powerful man in reality TV, toppling former American Idol colleague Simon Cowell from the top spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s fourth annual Reality Power List.
Cowell, who held the No. 1 spot in 2009 and 2010, fell to No. 6 this year, while Seacrest jumped from the No. 5 spot he held in 2010.
According to THR, rankings for the 50 industry heavyweights in the reality television world were determined by, among other things: having a reputation for quality and innovation within the business; the indelible mark on makes on his or her shows as overseeing executive, producer, or talent; ones overall impact on pop culture, and the “watercooler” factor; ones ability to create dramatic, comedic and can’t miss TV moments.
The 36-year-old Idol host, producer and radio personality was awarded an Emmy in August for “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” and also produces the four Kardashian shows, helping the Seacrest empire reach a television audience of more than 35 million weekly.
Also making this year’s list: Jersey Shore producer SallyAnn Salsano (No. 10), Kitchen Chef‘s Gordon Ramsay (No. 20), and Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner debuting on the list at No. 50.
See the entire list at The Hollywood Reporter.