Seacrest to replace Kasem on 'AT40'
 

Doesn't surprise me, but does anyone know if Casey left on his own or was forced out?


LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- "American Idol" host and DJ Ryan Seacrest will replace radio icon Casey Kasem as host of the weekly pop countdown show, "American Top 40."

Seacrest, 28, counts down the top songs in the country starting January 10, according to syndicator Premiere Radio Networks.

The revamped show, to be broadcast from the Hollywood and Highland complex, will feature interactive contests and live performances.

Seacrest's schedule already includes a local afternoon radio show, a third season on "American Idol," and a daily Fox television show to debut in January, "On-Air with Ryan Seacrest."

Kasem has been the primary voice of "American Top 40" since 1970, best known for his long-distance dedications and relating the stories behind the songs. (For a time, Shadoe Stevens hosted "AT40" during a period Kasem moved to a different radio network to host another countdown show, "Casey's Top 40.")

Kasem's last show will be broadcast January 3 and January 4.

The veteran broadcaster, a member of the National Association of Broadcaster's Radio Hall of Fame, signed a new long-term contract with Premiere to continue hosting "American Top 20" for adult contemporary stations around the country.

I'm not surpised. Kasem is good, but how can he relate to the audience that the top 40 draws? i.e. pre-pubecent folk who don't know what real music is.

At least it's not Carson Daly.

He has his own radio countdown show. <a href="http://www.cdmostrequested.com/">Carson Daly>>Most Requested</a>.

Wow...but you know Seacrest is "hot" right now.

It'll be kinda sad to see Kasem go. He's been doing that for as long as I can remember (not that I listen to it anymore though).

theres a funny tape out there where Kasem went on a rant about not liking a song they played after he had to read a story about a dog dying. anybody hear about that? they played it on the radio (heavily edited) after kasem talked on a morning show.

Wonder if Seacrest will have Deborah Gibson on his first few shows?

Deborah.....:drool:

Hey now, Alvis, don't get me started. I had my one good eye on Deborah back when I would call her Debbie.