Hoda Kotb Beats Out Megyn Kelly To Replace Matt Lauer

Hoda Kotb is the new star of "The Today Show" — but she had to survive some backstage feuding before joining Savannah Guthrie to replace disgraced host Matt Lauer at the start of the morning show!

As previously reported by The National ENQUIRER, "Today" insiders said that Megyn Kelly was pushing hard to get bumped up to the starting slot after a rough start at the 9 a.m. hour. NBC brass, however, were looking at making an offer to Bryant Gumbel — but that was before Hoda provided a new humiliation for Matt!

"She saved the show," an NBC source told The ENQUIRER in mid-December, noting that Hoda had helped the "Today" ratings soar once Lauer was forced out over a series of bizarre sex scandals. Despite the former host's massive ego, the show's ratings quickly took off once he was gone!

The show even bested longtime rival “Good Morning America” two weeks in a row — which Lauer never managed once during 2017 while co-hosting the once-invincible morning brand. “The improved viewer numbers are nothing but good news for Hoda,” the inside declared.

Hoda's success is also rare good news after a series of "Today" scandals — including Megyn's assorted fiascos and Billy Bush getting dumped in 2016 over his notorious audio tape with Donald Trump. Lauer positioned himself as the favorite during the turmoil. Now, said the insider, Hoda's rise has “to hurt Matt’s already bruised ego!”