Scoop: ‘Dancing' scrambling to replace Harris

The season premiere of “Dancing With the Stars” is March 22, and the ABC show has yet to announce who will replace co-host Samantha Harris, who quit in January. According to US Weekly, producers are scrambling to find a new host, but there is a short-list.

“An insider says Melissa Rycroft, Vanessa Minnillo and Brooke Burke are contenders for the gig,” reports the magazine. Another person who might have a shot is former contestant Kelly Osbourne.

Yet another option is reminiscent of what “American Idol” tried with its Paula Abdul seat prior to that show’s Hollywood round: Us reports that a rotating guest host each week is a possibility, too.

Farrell, Bateman among Spirit Award presenters
The Film Independent Spirit Awards — often considered the more laid-back version of the Oscars, as it’s traditionally held on the beach in Santa Monica a day prior — is going to look a little different this year.

To mark its 25th anniversary, the show moves out of the afternoon and into prime time and into more formal digs at the downtown L.A. Live entertainment complex.

The producers are saving the full lineup of presenters as a surprise, but I can tell you that Colin Farrell, Amy Ryan, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and David Spade are all going to be on hand to give out awards. The slate of nominees is exceedingly A-list: Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Helen Mirren, Gabourey Sidibe, Woody Harrelson and Mo’Nique are all contenders.

IFC airs the show live and uncut (in other words, anyone with a live mike and an inner Mariah Carey will have their comments broadcast with little chance of censorship) on Friday, March 5, at 11 p.m. ET. Look for yours truly somewhere in the crowd.

Still no Betty White on ‘SNL’
To everyone out there campaigning to get Betty White on “Saturday Night Live,” don’t stop now. The lineup for the March shows is out, and no Golden Girls are on the schedule.

Zach Galifianakis will host for the first time on March 6, and Vampire Weekend will return for their second stint as musical guest. On March 13, Jude Law hosts, and the musical guest is Pearl Jam — it will be their fourth time on the show.

Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on msnbc.com. Follow Scoop on Twitter @courtneyatmsnbc.

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