Ryan Seacrest: Future 'Today' co-host?
"American Idol" and E! News host Ryan Seacrest in an undated photo. Credit: Fox
That may sound like a trivial talent, but it's so valuable that if Matt Lauer decides not to renew his contract, NBC might pay Seacrest millions to co-host "Today." It's also a big -- and underappreciated -- reason why "American Idol" continues to be a success.
"It's because of him that the show runs as seamlessly and perfectly as it does," said "Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez. "We all follow him. He's amazing at what he does, and he doesn't get enough credit for it."
It's easy to belittle Seacrest: those pretty-boy good looks, that glib demeanor, the fact that his production company churns out those Kardashian reality shows.
But when "Idol" goes live, as it did this month, Seacrest becomes the "circus master," says judge Randy Jackson.
"It's becoming a bit of a lost art," said Carson Daly, who displays his own nimbleness when hosting live episodes of NBC's "The Voice." "All these reality stars get rewarded for doing outrageous things. In comparison, those of us who do this may seem less exciting." Daly and "Idol" executive producer Ken Warwick agree that radio is the best training ground for anyone tackling live television.
"In 11 years, I've never seen Ryan get stuck for words," Warwick said.
"I think the one thing I try to do is pay attention to everything that's happening onstage and really listening to what everyone is saying," he said.
Many question the idea of giving "Today" to someone whose background in news is updating E! viewers on Lindsay Lohan's latest antics. But being able to do live television is essential when steering a morning show. Even the late-night talk shows are taped hours before airing, giving producers a chance to fix boo-boos.
Seacrest, who has a deal with NBC Universal, wouldn't say what he might end up doing for the network, but he stressed that he's in no hurry to say goodbye to the Fox show that put him on the map.
"I love this television show," he said. "I can't imagine life without 'American Idol.' "
Most Popular
Top Stories
