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Fans of VH1 Soul (like myself) will be SHOCKED to learn that “American Idol” Host Ryan Seacrest is in talks to take over the network that is home to videos by some of R&B’s most popular artists like Erykah Badu, Eric Benet, Jill Scott, Maxwell and Chrisette Michele.

Reportedly, VH1 Soul has already been pulled from several markets over the past year because of low ratings, but is still very much a part of the MTV/VH1 and Viacom family. And it is arguable the only music channel STILL playing R&B music–and not reality-shows, but that will likely end soon.

Seacrest is teaming-up with AEG concert promoters to launch a new network, described as a music, pop culture and lifestyle-oriented channel.

Ryan Secrest is hoping to “do a deal” similar to what Oprah Winfrey did with the Discovery network. He hopes to rebrand the channel with programming from AEG’s worldwide concert and live venues (including the Staples Center, L.A. Live and London’s The 02), as well as various reality shows.

Many see this next step as a business venture for Seacrest, a man whose empire already includes his decade-long hosting gig on Fox’s “American Idol”, E! News, his On Air with Ryan Seacrest radio program, as well as producing reality shows “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”, “Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami”, “Kourtney and Kim Take New York”, and “Khloé & Lamar”.

Seacrest’s annual pre-tax earnings already exceed $55 million thanks to his many projects.