Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest could replace Matt Lauer on NBC’s “Today”

“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest could be a possible successor to Matt Lauer on NBC’s “Today” show if Lauer steps down next year.

The talk are preliminary, and they may just be a negotiation tactic for NBC who will need a strong backup plan if Lauer does vacate the coveted co-anchor seat. According to people close to the matter, Seacrest is one of NBC’s top replacement choices.

Ever since Lauer hinted to “Today” executives earlier this year that he was contemplating leaving, NBC executives have been hunting for someone to fill the big shoes.

Seacrest’s deal with NBC-Universal expires in early 2012. He is a busy man. Seacrest currently hosts and produces a daily news show on E! Network, as well as E! red carpet specials.

Neither Lauer or Seacrest would comment on the matter.

Ryan Seacrest, Julianne Hough spend part of Miami Beach weekend at vet office

Ryan Seacrest and girlfriend Julianne Hough’s romantic weekend in Miami Beach was put on hold for a bit, when the two had to make an emergency trip to a veterinarian’s office.

Shortly after the “American Idol” host flew to Miami to spend some quality time with Hough, who has been in town shooting “Rock of Ages,” the two found themselves part of Saturday at the vet with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Lexi.

“First time I legitimately balled my eyes out in years,” Hough tweeted on Saturday, apparently referring to the unexpected vet visit. “Being a helpless parent is the worst thing in the world!”

While they didn’t reveal much details of the emergency, there was definitely a lot of waiting around. Seacrest posted a picture of himself on Twitter asleep on what looks like a receptionist desk.

“Made a trip to the animal emergency room over the weekend,” he tweeted.

It turned out that Lexi just had an upset stomach, and Seacrest and Hough were sure to inform their followers.

“All is ok. Thx. Upset stomach! Have a good monday,” Seacrest posted.

“All is well in Lexi land! Thanks for all of your sweet messages! It means the world! Xoxo,” Hough wrote.

The couple then met up with singer Katy Perry to help celebrate her husband Russell Brand’s 36th birthday at Casa Tua on South Beach.

The British comedian, who also stars in “Rock of Ages,” was then seen heading upstairs to a VIP section with his wife and friends.

A source told People magazine: “They were super cool and had a blast.

Jennifer Lopez says Steven Tyler is like a brother to her.

The singer-and-actress joined ‘American Idol’ at the start of the current season and she has grown so close to the other new judge, their fellow panellist Randy Jackson and the show’s host Ryan Seacrest, she has come to regard them as family.

She said: ‘ love it. We are having a great time. Steven, Ryan and Randy are awesome.

‘t’s like having brothers for the first time in my life. They are all very protective of me. We support each other, it’s a good unit.’

The 41-year-old star ‘ who has three-year-old twins Max and Emme with her husband Marc Anthony ‘ admits she is ‘figuring out’ motherhood as she goes along and sometimes finds it hard to juggle raising her family with her singing career, work on ‘American Idol’ and other ventures, including a successful fragrance line.

She added to the Daily Record newspaper: ‘When I was on my own without kids, I had no trouble. I worked from day to night. I worked 24/7. Now I am different. I am a working mother now.

‘To find the right balance is just very difficult. The babies become the most important thing in my life.

‘Everything else has had to take a back seat. I am figuring out as I go along with these two angels of mine. And we are doing just fine.’