A great TV host is like a great backup catcher: You never know how important he or she is until they're gone.
People mock "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest for his frosted hair, vintage t-shirts and lame catchphrases, but these same people don't understand how hard this guy works. "Idol" is, by nature, chaotic. Amateur singers, snippy judges and a live broadcast are tough things to handle by themselves, yet Seacrest manages to keep the "Idol" circus humming along week in and week out.
He's also got a whip-smart retort for virtually any situation. When Simon Cowell lobs a gossip-laden bon mot (such as his recent quip about Seacrest and Paula Abdul not speaking), Seacrest always has a fitting response. The guy just doesn't get flustered.
Alas, Seacrest's skill won't be appreciated until he misses an "Idol" broadcast. Mark my words: The day Seacrest is absent is the day "Idol" has its worst episode ever.