Ryan Seacrest: Would His Departure Hurt ‘American Idol?’

"American Idol" may be facing some more casting changes-- and this one could rock the future of the show!

Rumors are swirling that longtime "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest may fly the coop-- and his destination may be a surprising one. Seacrest is reportedly in preliminary talks to replace morning show host Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today Show."

Seacrest is already one of the busiest entertainment hosts in Hollywood. In addition to his 11-season "Idol" hosting gig, he hosts "E! News" and the syndicated radio countdown "American Top 40," as well as his Los Angeles radio show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest." He has even stepped in as Dick Clark's replacement on the annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" bash.

If he were to take the "Today Show" spot, it's unlikely that he would continue on as the host of "American Idol."

But could the show survive without him?

Amid the tumultuous casting changes over the past few seasons, the comings and goings of Paula and Ellen and Simon, the one constant has been Seacrest. (Okay, and resident dawg, Randy Jackson!)

But let's face it, the host is really the hub of the show. Can you imagine "Dancing With the Stars" without Tom Bergeron? Or "Survivor" without Jeff Probst? Neither can we.

If Seacrest were to go, it could be the final straw for "Idol." which has already endured numerous casting changes over the past several seasons.

Of course, some fans thought the show wouldn't stand a chance without Simon Cowell (they were wrong). And fans even forgave producers for signing on the non-judgey Ellen DeGeneres (maybe they liked her banana references).

But Seacrest's departure could be a different story.

First up, who would replace him? He's a familiar face for American audiences-and he wouldn't be easily replaceable.

A quick scan at some recent competition shows turns up forgettable hosts such as "Celebrity Fit Club" host, Ant, and the guy who hosted "Skating With the Stars." And over at Simon Cowell's latest venture, "X Factor" host Steve Jones doesn't exactly give off the warm and fuzzies.

Yes, the reality series hosting business is big business, but there aren't all that many Bergerons out there. Even one-time reality competition host Anderson Cooper is too busy to fill Seacrest's shoes, what with his daytime talk show and nighttime news show and all. (He was a great reality host on "The Mole.")

With Lauer's "Today Show" replacement talks only in the early stages, it looks like we'll just have to wait this one out. But for "American Idol" fans, there's a possibility that this could be a very unhappy new year.

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