SILVER-TONGUE SEACREST CRUSHES ON CARRIE!

Hubby is so over smarmy Ryan's special attention

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EFFUSIVE host Ryan Seacrest is fawning over Carrie Underwood amid the former American Idol champ's return as a judge on the TV contest that made her a star - but the emcee's nonstop attention has ruffled the feathers of the songbird's jealous hubby, Mike Fisher, sources spill.

According to a tipster, savvy Seacrest was instrumental in hiring the Cowboy Casanova hitmaker as a replacement for Katy Perry, who quit last year, and has been "incredibly protective" of her!

The insider dishes, "Ryan's always been fond of Carrie - ever since she competed on American Idol 20 years ago. He thinks she's extremely talented, and he's proud of the success she's had."