IDOL In For KING

(From The New York Post -- By Michael Starr)

RYAN SEACREST will host several upcoming editions of
LARRY KING LIVE -- in what looks to be the first step in an overall deal between Seacrest and CNN.

Seacrest, who hosts FOX's AMERICAN IDOL, was given free rein by King to book his own guests, CNN insiders say.

He hosted this Saturday's LARRY KING LIVE with guests ASHLEE SIMPSON and her manager/father, JOE SIMPSON.

Seacrest is also scheduled to host at least three other LARRY KING LIVE shows featuring JESSICA SIMPSON, ASHTON KUTCHER and NICOLE RICHIE (the Richie show is scheduled for sometime next month).

Seacrest and King are longtime friends. King, in fact, gave a speech when Seacrest received his star on THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME last April.

Seacrest becomes the latest outsider to join the LARRY KING LIVE stable as a guest host.

Earlier this year, sportscaster BOB COSTAS signed a deal to host 20 LARRY KING LIVE shows over the course of a year becoming, in essence, King's primary substitute anchor.

Back in August, Costas exercised his contractual right and refused to host the show when the subject was missing Alabama teen NATALEE HOLLOWAY.

Costas said he was uncomfortable with the subject matter.

Seacrest also hosts AMERICAN TOP 40 and is the morning-drive DJ on L.A.'s KIIS-FM.