Ryan Seacrest to Succeed Matt Lauer on 'Today'?

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic(NEW YORK) -- "I'm Ryan Seacrest and this...is the Today show."  The American Idol host just may have the opportunity to use that line on the NBC morning news program, as the eventual successor to co-anchor Matt Lauer.

The Wall Street Journal reports Seacrest met with NBC executives Tuesday evening for preliminary talks regarding a role for him on Today. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the meeting was part of "continued discussions" between both sides.

Seacrest would potentially succeed Lauer, who's co-anchored Today since 1997 and who earlier this year was rumored to be considering an exit from the show in late 2012.  He's denied the speculation.

In addition to his hosting duties on American Idol, Seacrest is also a host and producer for E!, which is owned by NBCUniversal. His contract reportedly expires early next year.

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