Ryan Seacrest

Heir-apparent to Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest - entertainment journalist, radio personality, producer and host of American Idol - is poised to take over the world. Ryan Seacrest was born in Dunwoody,Georgia on December 24, 1974. As a kid, he aspired to be on the radio like his idols Casey Kasem and Dick Clark. Ryan began his career at 15 as an intern at Atlanta radio station WSTR.

In 1995, Seacrest became the afternoon drive DJ at KYSR-FM an adult contemporary radio station in Los Angeles, California, where he remained until 2003. Ryan served as host for a variety of short-lived TV game shows and in 2002, became co-host (with Brian Dunkleman) of the singing competition American Idol. Dunkleman left after one season, leaving Ryan in the spotlight, and the show continued to gain momentum, making Ryan as much of a star as judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. After a brief televised talk show, On Air with Ryan Seacrest in 2004, he returned to radio, taking over the morning show on LA's KIIS-FM from legendary DJ Rick Dees. Ryan also rook over both Casey Kasem's weekly American Top 40 countdown and serves as executive producer and co-host of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.

In January 2006, Ryan signed announced a three-year, $21 million deal with cable network E! to host and produce various programs, including E! News Daily and red carpet awards show coverage. If that's not enough on his plate, Ryan also occasionally serves as a substitute host on the CNN television program Larry King Live and some rumors suggest he is in line to take over the show when King retires. With all of Ryan's various work obligations, he hardly has time for a personal life, but has been romantically linked with Amazing Race contestant Shana Wall and more recently Australian model and actress Sophie Monk. Seacrest out.