Is 'American Idol' looking to eliminate Ryan Seacrest?

Could dumping Ryan Seacrest help "American Idol" saggy ratings?

That's what the folks at Fox may be wondering, a source close to the show told the Scoop this week.

Seems studio-sponsored audience surveys are also asking questions about Seacrest and his interaction between the contestants and the judges.

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 also 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.”

Hmmm. Wonder what the answers were?

Is this why Ryan has been so busy off "AI," hosting the Super Bowl pre-game show, the 2007 Emmys, covering the 2008 Oscar red carpet for E!, picking up a reality TV award at the 2008 Kids' Choice Awards show as well as producing Denise Richard's new reality series?

Just saying. Maybe that's why the hardest-working man in show business has been working extra hard lately.

He's so darn busy it's a miracle he's managed to stay in touch with (Seacrest's so smitten, he constantly texts her) his new squeeze, Sophie Monk, who's been really busy herself, shooting "Hard Breakers."

Top photo: Jordin Sparks has such fond memories of Ryan, she posed backstage with him at the Kids Choice Awards.

Bottom photo: And check out the legs on Ryan's new squeeze, Sophie Monk!
WireImage

Comments

[Mitzi]

Ryan lost a lot of fans when he was so cruel to Michael Johns. It's always a risk to change a major cast member on a show like AI...but if they give Seacrest another chance, he'd better be kinder to the kids, and stop being silly with the judges or else we'll turn them off for good!

[m]

ryan is a alikecheesey "game show host'. his contribution to society is nil.

[Cindy]

Ryan Seacrest is certainly NOT the problem on American Idol It's the judges!!!! There is far too much squabbling and making jokes between them. Simon sits there and acts as if he's bored stiff. Paula acts as if she's half in the bag...and Randy isn't too far behind them. For Pete's sake get some fresh faces in there!!! It's a joke and people are sick of it/

[Chelsea]

i am sexy

[Sandra]

I like Ryan Seacrest. It's the judges who bore me. I find myself muting the tv when they start running on and on. I know they are accomplished in the industry but they bore me.

[Julia Minor]

Do not get rid of Ryan, but maybe you should think of getting rid of Paula. She's the problem. I love Am.Idol but can't stand watching her struggle to talk each week. She sounds like someone who doesn't speak our language.

[Mat]

American idol is boring because we all know that ultimately it will be the Davids battling it out.

I just want to fast forward the show 3 weeks and figure out which David is going to win.

[Sandra]

I don't think that this has anything to do with judges or Ryan. I think this years contestants are boring and lack lots of talent. The judges need to be more selective for next season in order to the keep the ratings up.

[Donna]

I don't think Ryan is doing anything wrong and neither are the judges. I think the audience is just tired of the show. I thought this would be the last year no matter what. It has run it's course.

[Larry Forbes]

The problem is not Ryan or the judges. The problem is the voters who pick out a favorite because they're cute or interesting. They are voting for the person whether they can sing or not. This is a singing contest, not a personality contest. They have to figure out a way that the good singers are not voted off. When the best singers are eliminated we lose interest !!

[Barb]

Ryan is not the problem, it is that so many are more worried about personalities and not talent. This is a show looking for talent and Ryan is very good at what he does and that is keep everyone's head cool. I think the show would not be as good without him.

[mimi c]

Without Simon on the show, I wouldn't watch it. Love that man..he's usually right on..not always, but usually.

I'd hate to lost any of them, actually.

[Don]

The judges (all three) need to go! They make it hard to enjoy the show because they seem so far detached from reality. It seem to be a different judge each week. This week it was Paula. Keep Ryan!

[Yoli]

Do you think this is a ploy? I've heard rumors that Ryan is looking to replace Larry King isn't he like 100 years old and ready to retire? This could all be a very calculated way for him to move on to something new. Maybe having a 4th judge every week who is the "Voice of America" a plane old joe like most of us. Could be intersting. I pitched the idea to Simon at one of the Idol Concerts when he and Randy were sitting behind me. He laughed!

[Yoli]

Do you think this is a ploy? I've heard rumors that Ryan is looking to replace Larry King isn't he like 100 years old and ready to retire? This could all be a very calculated way for him to move on to something new. Maybe having a 4th judge every week who is the "Voice of America" a plane old joe like most of us. Could be intersting. I pitched the idea to Simon at one of the Idol Concerts when he and Randy were sitting behind me. He laughed!

[lynn]

people arre upset because they run overtime every week I'm tired of randy and his calling everyone dawg and saying yeeeah does he not speak english? Paula is in outer space most times. Simon needs to keep his hands to himself so he doesn't encourage her or make her more ditzy than usual Ryan has only made me mad one time and that was because he was rude and nasty when he told Michael Johns he was going home

[Shag]

Those are not legs on his girlfriend, those are sticks. That's part of the problem that's going in the modeling, undersized women.

[Marshall]

Ryan does a great job at keeping the show moving and on time. He could certainly show more respect to the contestants. His wit doesn't have to be quite as sarcastic, but he's still good. Just needs toning down, and his relationship with judges is too familiar.

[Kells]

Ryan? Does that even make sense? He could possibly be the only intellectual on the show aside from the musicians and the talent. Paula needs to go, get William Hung...anyone...just not Ryan! That is, if you want the show to go on...

[Johnboy]

The current judges -- Pitchy, Kitschy and Bitchy -- are all too predicable.

[Mike]

Changing the mix at this point is a waste. I and my family still love to watch the show. All the party poopers have left so it's all right.
With A.D.D. so prevalent a lot get bored easily. AI dominated the ratings for so long it's hard to keep that up. It's still better than most crapola on TV so I hope it continues.

[MaryJ]

Paula is the problem, not Ryan! Please, please get rid of Paula. Her drunken babbling drives me nuts. Olivia Newton-John did well when she was a guest judge. . .why not replace Paula with Olivia?

[Linda Walschots]

I agree with Donna....the teeny boppers have taken over the votes....its a personality contest and not a singing contest anymore...I know I am getting tired of it.
Linda

[tricia]

My husband and enjoy AI. I personally like Ryan and cannot imagine another host in his place. The show just would not be the same. Simon and Randy are both okay; however, Paula acts like she is not with the program. Personally I think she needs to look in the mirror. Most of the time her attire is tacky and sleezy looking. Who helps her with her wardrobe? pi

[Debbie A]

I think that Ryan does a great job for the show, as stated before it is the public that vote for popularity and not talent..what has happened to this show, it takes away from what this is really about! Carly and Mike Johns should never have left and it should be David Cook all the way, if America or the producers screw this up they may start losing viewers!