For ABC, that's Mariah Carey, fresh from receiving eight Grammy Award nominations. "She's the biggest star of the year," Seacrest said.

And for NBC, it's Mary J. Blige. She's the sole musical guest, in what Daly sees as a key change. "It seems like every (show) is a giant mish-mash of prepackaged things," he said.

That's the format 76-year-old Clark invented 33 years ago. He worked live from Times Square; a party was taped long before, in Hollywood. Cutting between tape and live, he could have a big show without paying New Year's Eve prices.

Daly gets his chance this year because New Year's Eve falls on a Saturday. (Most years, "The Tonight Show" does its own countdown on NBC.) He decided to divert from the usual formula and go live.

The show will include two performances by Blige, along with Times Square coverage from comedian Wanda Sykes. News anchor Brian Williams and hip-hop mogul P. Diddy will have brief commentaries.

Daly said working live has become natural for him. "MTV was such a great training for me. I did (live interviews) with everyone from Michael Jackson to Madonna."

Still he has nothing against Clark's approach. "I just think the world of (him)," Daly said. "The rich history of this evening is important to me."

Reports have varied on just how far along Clark's recovery is. Those involved insist he's ready to work.

"He's excited, he's motivated," said Larry Klein, longtime producer of the show.

No one is denying the possibility that Seacrest may take over Clark's on-camera chores some- day. The two have much in common: They're short, telegenic men who talk easily and seem endlessly enthusiastic. Seacrest may be the only person who does even more shows than Clark, Klein said.