Ryan Seacrest might be adding hosting duties of another kind to his schedule in 2009. 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."
A rep for Seacrest said that “Larry and Ryan are close and Ryan does fill in as a guest host from time to time, but we have no comment on this story.” Another source close to CNN, on the other hand, said “there is no truth to this story.”
Inside Jamie Lynn's baby showerJamie Lynn Spears celebrated the upcoming June birth of her baby with a shower in her hometown of Kentwood, La., on May 2. The girls-only shower was hosted by her mom, Lynne, and older sister Britney attended as well. Jamie Lynn tells OK! magazine that she wanted the theme to be “like a nice dinner party,” and “lots of balloons and flowers” made up the décor.
Jamie Lynn then talked to the magazine about many issues — from her body, to Britney and what her plans for her career might include. Spears sounds like many moms-to-be when she tells the magazine she loves feeling her baby — a girl — moving around. “When she kicks me, I love it. It want to squeeze her already. I do talk to her, you know like all moms talk to their babies. I just tell her how much I love her.”
Spears says that older sister Britney has been giving her advice. “She said, ‘There are going to be long nights, but it is completely worth it.’”
Finally, what about her television career? “Zoey 101” is not her primary concern: “Right now, I am so focused on the baby that (going back to work) hasn’t even occurred to me. You never know what may happen a year from now. There is a possibility I’ll go back, but right now, I just want to be a good mom.”
Mary-Kate Olsen in Emmy race
Ashley Olsen might have been named No. 47 on Maxim’s Hot 100 list while her twin, Mary-Kate, was left off, but Mary-Kate is on another, more credible list of her own.
Slideshow 26 photos
Celebrity Sightings
The L.A. Times reports that Showtime has submitted Mary-Kate as their choice for Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Weeds.” Olsen appeared on 10 episodes of the show. “She is so thrilled — she’s hated the thought that she wasn’t being taken seriously as an actress,” said a source who worked with Olsen in her 2004 film, “New York Minute.”
Celebs at the Costume Institute Gala
Every year, the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC attracts a spate of celebrities, and this year’s event, which had a superhero theme, wasn’t an exception.
Scoop friend and Glamour.com style blogger Suze Yalof Schwartz has a thorough slideshow of some of her favorite looks from the evening. Award for most superhero-inspired theme goes to Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who looked “very Narnia chic.” Her hands-down favorite? Tom Brady’s girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” said Schwartz. Check out her blog for more.
Did you hear?
It’s going to get ugly at Syracuse University on May 10. “Ugly Betty” star Vanessa Williams will deliver the convocation address to graduates at SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Williams will also receive an honorary bachelor of fine arts degree. ... “Hairspray” star Nikki Blonsky is among the celebrity guest speakers lined up for the Women’s Expressive Theater Risk Takers Film Series. ... The Sundance Channel will broadcast Dan Klores’ documentary “Crazy Love.”