I’m not sure how Larry King live is viewed across America (we don’t get it here in New Zealand), although Wiki says 46% of Americans had an unfavorable opinion of him, but I suspect that more people have that opinion of his possible replacement Ryan Seacrest.

A source from within CNN says that Seacrest, who has filled in for his friend Larry King in the past, is involved in “serious negotiations” to take over “Larry King Live” around year’s end. King told The New York Times in April 2007 that Seacrest would be his first choice to take over the show when the time came.

“He’s the classic generalist,” King told the Times. “The only thing I don’t know, and I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, is how versed he is in politics, world affairs. Does he read the paper? Is he interested in Iraq? Because if he is, he’s going to be very good.”

Another source familiar with Seacrest and his involvement on “American Idol” said that a drastic course change might be just what Seacrest needs. “He’s so serious about his career, but like anyone, he wants it to evolve. Hosting ‘Larry King’ would be perfect for him.”

MSNBC

CNN has made no official statement about Ryan’s possible employment, but MSNBC has another ‘source’ saying that this isn’t true.

This is following hot on the heels of reports that American Idol is reaching the end of it’s run. After 7 seasons on television, the show is losing viewers. While it still rates well, I suspect that people aren’t really interested. It’s not water cooler conversation anymore, people just don’t seem interested in who wins the contest now. I also think that for the winner, it is not a stepping stone for a great career like it was for early Idol winners like Kelly Clarkson – they just don’t seem to be as successful as they have been in the early seasons.

There’s no word on whether Seacrest will leave his radio show if he takes over from Larry King, but it is possible he might do both. He’ll probably just take a nap between shows.

Scarlet Johansson proudly showed off her new engagement ring at the Costume Institute Gala last night in NY. She wore an linen-colored Dolce and Gabanna dress with a tight bodice and tulle skirt. Her hair was up in a messy style accented by a beaded flower headband with loose soft waves falling around her face. She looked incredibly happy and relaxed.

Johansson’s ring looks like its a round cut solitaire on a gold band.

Yesterday Johansson’s rep confirmed the rumors that she was engaged to her live-in boyfriend, actor Ryan Reynolds. Jaybird observed that it’s quite a coincidence that she’s due to release her album at the end of the month and just happens to announce her engagement now, but maybe she really wanted to wear the ring out to this special event and couldn’t wait.

Thanks to Splash for these photos.

It’s big news that FOX’s juggernaut “American Idol,” is suffering its lowest ratings ever. But now show producers may be looking to shake things up with the cast to get people interested again. Rumors are buzzing that the show’s execs recently conducted an impromptu online market research survey, and one place they’re looking for input for improvement is the show’s hyperactive host, Ryan Seacrest.

An online market research survey was issued last week and, while the suits behind the show probe every aspect of the broadcast, there is a noticeable focus on “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest.

While all of the main players were included in the question, “How important are each of the following people to your overall enjoyment of ‘American Idol’?” the survey asks participants to weigh in on two extra statements: “I like the interaction between Ryan and the contestants” and “I like the interaction between the judges and Ryan.”

The extra focus has some wondering whether a hosting change might be exactly what the show needs. “Ryan is so busy turning himself into a diverse brand, one that has longevity, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to think that he isn’t worried about his job security with ‘Idol,’” said a source close to Seacrest.

Reps for the “Idol” host didn’t comment as to whether Seacrest had been approached at all about a changing role on the show, but one “Idol” source did explain the questions, saying that they “fall under the leave-no-stone-unturned category more than anything else.”

[From The Scoop]

While I agree that this season truly sucks monkey balls - I stopped watching after Kristy Lee Cook sand “God Bless the USA” and Chikeze was voted off instead- I don’t think Ryan is the problem. I have a ton of ideas for fixing the show- FOX! Call me! My first order of business would be to get rid of the judges. They suck, and they don’t offer any constructive criticism to the contestants. The worst is Paula - with her inane babbling and her refusal to say anything negative, ever- but they all suck. If anything, Ryan Seacrest, as much as it begrudges me to say so, is the only person on the show who seems to understand why he is there. But make no mistake- I still think he’s obnoxious and slightly insane.

Note by Celebitchy: Ryan made it a point last night to say that Paula will not be leaving the show. In the clip below he says “Last night the judges were thrown a curveball on the air… it sparked a lot of gossip about Paula. I read some of this online this morning. Just for the record. The rumors are not true, she’s part of our family and we love her.”

That’s funny, because I thought the rumors were that the show was scripted, not that Paula was getting the axe for judging a song before it happened.

The open animosity between “American Idol” co-stars Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell every week on the show suddenly makes a lot more sense. I have been speculating for years that these two had an under the radar romance going on, and now that word is out that Ryan is dating Holly Huddleston, Simon’s feelings are hurt.

Who the hell is Holly Huddleston, you say? Yeah, I said the same thing. Holly is on one of the world’s most useless reality shows, E! Network’s “Sunset Tan.” If you’ve been dying to see all the drama and behind the scenes action at a tanning salon, this is your show! And also, take your meds. The rest of us find this show absolutely abysmal– and Holly is the most vapid, boring person on the show.

Is there love a brewing backstage with Holly “Olly” Huddleston and Ryan Seacrest over in Hollywood at American idol? According to reports scheduled for this week’s In Touch Weekly, the magazine will dish that a little E! Entertainment romance may have crossed over from cable show to the Fox network and Ryan Seacrest and one of the blondes from E!’s Sunset Tan are hooking up in secret.

According to a report from Perez Hilton, Holly Huddleston and Ryan will make the weekly entertainment magazine this week with what will be a surprise romance for many. The scoop according to the report is that they have worked very hard to keep the relationship a secret.

Quick question, why would anyone even worry about it? The reason it is spilling out now is because American idol is so popular and folks have notoced that Holly has been hanging around backstage, reportedly checking out Ryan as he works and spars with his pal and British bad boy judge Simon Cowell.

While many might believe Cowell and Seacrest are dating before they would believe that Holly and Ryan are a hot item that is the way it will be reported according to Hilton.

[From National Ledger]

There’s no way Seacrest is dating this chick, but I’d be willing to bet that they are friends. They have so much in common: they both love tanning, bleaching their hair, getting manicures and pedicures, and staring at their own reflection. She really is the perfect beard for Ryan.

Ryan Seacrest is shown at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show on 11/15/07. Holly Huddleston is shown at JET Nightclub on 7/27/07, thanks to PRPhotos.

The open animosity between former spouses Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards just keeps boiling. After Denise went to court to gain the right to feature their two young daughters on her upcoming reality show, Sheen and fiancé, Brooke Mueller, have gone on the offensive, urging people to boycott the show and calling it exploitive. Now, Sheen is placing the blame squarely on the tiny head of the show’s executive producer, Ryan Seacrest.

Charlie Sheen is so furious with Ryan Seacrest for producing his ex-wife’s upcoming reality show that he wants to punch the TV host’s lights out–and that’s no “Idol” threat, say sources.

The “Two and a Half Men” star has been locked in a bitter feud with Ryan ever since Seacrest and E! Entertainment signed a deal with Denise Richards for a summertime series and her two small children with Sheen, Sam, 3, and Lola, 2.

“Charlie opposed this thing right from the start,” a pal told the Enquirer. “He thinks it’s wrong for Denise and Ryan to be exploiting the kids.”

Charlie, 42, was so livid her took the matter to court, but a judge gave the project a green light. After that, Charlie — who has been friends with Ryan, 33, for more than 12 years– called the “Idol” host several times, trying to convince him to stop working on the series.

But Ryan refused to budge, saying, “I’m sorry, but this isn’t about friendship, it’s about business.”

Charlie screamed at him: “How could you do this to me?” said the source. “How can you allow my children to be used as pawns like this just so you and Denise can make money off them? The two of you are despicable! You are the scum of the earth, lower than low! And you better watch out, pal. Right now, I’m so mad I could punch your lights out!”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, March 3, 2008]

The article goes on to say that Sheen’s publicist denies that this conversation ever happened. But I, for one, hope that this time, The Enquirer is right. I’d love to see Charlie wipe the floor with Ryan Seacrest, although it wouldn’t really be a fair fight. I’m so sick of Seacrest and his ridiculous antics. He’s been humping America’s leg for seven years as the host of “Idol,” and his ego seems to be out of control, as evidenced by his completely inappropriate interviewing skills during the red carpet segment of the Academy Awards.

The real victims in this whole situation are Sam and Lola. There has not been a single indication in these girls’ young lives that they have any desire to be in the public eye– in fact, every time Denise drags them to a movie premiere or event, they looks absolutely miserable. Why does she insist on thrusting them into the spotlight when they clearly do not want this kind of lifestyle?

Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller are shown below at An Evening with “Two and a Half Men” at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on 2/27/08, thanks to PRPhotos.

Victoria Beckham, who I will forever refer to as Posh Spice, has been voted the sexiest mother by designers and executives at Victoria’s Secret. I’m not sure I look at those melons she has disguised as breasts and her neon orange glow and come up with sexy. Perhaps they meant skinniest mother? Scariest mother? The mother with a name similar to our company name?

Victoria’s Secret executives and designers have voted Posh Spice the world’s sexiest mum.

Victoria Beckham joins stars Eva Mendes, Josh Holloway, and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest on the lingerie company’s 2008 What Is Sexy? list.

The team of executives and designers who compiled the list looked for attributes such as “passion and humour and style and charisma”.

Sydney Morning Herald

I suspect that Posh only beat Angelina Jolie by the tiniest of margins (about as wide as her teeny waist) and soon will need to pass her crown to Halle Berry.

Is there too much pressure on mothers to be yummy mummies? Posh went into hiding during the later, larger months of her pregnancies, so she wouldn’t be seen as fat. Women all over the world would line up to see that tiny woman fat. I mean, pregnant. Fat would be more fun though. It must be nice for Victoria to get called the sexiest mother, as it can’t be easy maintaining that lithe physique.

Other sexy celebs, according to Victoria’s Secret, include Ryan Seacrest for his smile, Eva Mendes was sexiest actress (not as good an an Oscar but better than a kick in the teeth), and Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley were sexiest newlyweds.

Header image is an older one of Victoria out with Romeo and Brooklyn.

I hate American Idol. Fortunately, the country I live in isn’t a fan either, so last year’s NZ Idol winner didn’t even get a recording contract, just a car. Which was probably more useful to them, since no one was going to buy that album anyway. Then all the rejects from the previous two series, from when NZ Idol way in its heyday, got together and fought it out for $50,000. Unfortunately it wasn’t a Gladiator-style fight.

Anyway, it seems American Idol might finally have sucked the talent out of the pool, and is scraping the mildew at the bottom, according to Ryan Seacrest.

TMZ cameras caught the “Idol” host before his jog outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC on Sunday — sporting an iPod and an inconspicuous Ed Hardy hat. When asked about the upcoming season of the juggernaut that is “American Idol,” Ryan said they “weren’t great … for 20,000 people, we only found a few good ones.” Is that a change?

TMZ

Actually, the bad auditions are the best part, so maybe things are looking up for the show.

Another sign American Idol is on the way out – low ticket sales for its Idols Live shows.

Reports of attendance and gross receipts for the first 30 of the 57 shows scheduled for the tour, as recorded by Billboard Boxscore, show this year’s crop of 10 Idol finalists is falling short of last year’s concert performance.

No sellouts were reported for the first 30 shows, and only one topped the 93% of capacity mark. (That was the show in Glendale, Ariz., Idol winner Jordin Sparks’ home turf.) Of the 2006 tour’s first 30 shows, 17 were sellouts and another 10 exceeded 93% of capacity.

Nearly half (14) of the shows were below 60% of capacity. (Lowest was 38.9% in Birmingham, Ala., hometown of 2006 winner Taylor Hicks and 2003 champ Ruben Studdard.) In 2006, the lowest-capacity figure in the first 30 shows was 89.3%.

The 2006 tour was the most successful to date, but 2005’s was a lot healthier than the current version. Of the first 29 dates of 2005, 11 were sellouts and four more topped 93%.

USA Today

What will happen if the whole enterprise shuts down? How will record companies find talent? What will Paula Abdul do for a living?

Am I the only person who doesn’t like Ryan Seacrest? I think I must be, especially since reviews of his accomplishments (hosting “American Idol,” “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” his stints on “E! News,” etc.) as well as his gig on the radio always get such rave reviews that I often think I’m the only one who doesn’t get this guy - at all.

If I don’t, then fair enough. It’s possible that I just don’t realize what I’m missing and since it was just announced that he’ll be playing host at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards this year in September, I’ll probably miss that, too.

According to Mark Darnell, president of “alternative entertainment” at FOX, and who will be airing the Emmy’s this year:

Seacrest “is a consummate host of major live broadcast events and a proven talent who always makes it look easy, which makes him the perfect choice for this year’s Emmy telecast.”

Dick Askin, Chairman of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences which awards the Emmy’s, also endored Seacrest:

“(He) appeals to a broad audience…so he should serve as a magnet for attracting a diverse array of viewers to our Emmy telecast.”

The Emmy Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, September 16, from Los Angeles.

[Reuters]

Header Image: PR Photos

While we may never know what hastened the end of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe’s Hollywood marriage, we can get a lot of information from the clues they dropped in interviews. We’ve covered a couple of Ryan’s recent interviews that suggest that he’s having trouble in his relationship and although I hyped it at the time and never thought they would actually break up.

Us Weekly’s Hot Hollywood Awards were held Wednesday night. Jessica Alba had a near nip-slip that resulted in some cute picture of her pulling her dress strap up. (Wireimage did not capture this, so you’ll have to see it everywhere else.)

Despite Us Weekly’s content, stars were pleased to show up for the party.

We have over 50 pictures of the party arrivals, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Alba, Alessandra Ambrosio, Brittany Murphy, Cindy Margolis, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Ludacris, Harry Hamlin, Lisa Rinna, Haylie Duff, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Paris Hilton, Victoria Silvstedt, Avril Lavigne, Carmen Electra, Dave Navarro, Michelle Trachtenberg, Rachael Leigh Cook, Nicky Hilton, Gabrielle Union, Kelly Osbourne, Kimberly Stewart, Stacy Keibler, Ryan Seacrest, Sofia Vergara, Taryn Manning, Maria Sharapova, Melinda Clarke, Tom Green with a fanny pack, and Tori Spelling.

Update: Images removed on request.