MTV surprises, selects Chelsea Handler to host VMAs
One of the few women to have a foothold on late night talk TV is now going to be one of the few ladies to host MTV’s Video Music Awards. Chelsea Handler, the star of “Chelsea Lately” on E has officially been announced as the host for the upcoming awards extravaganza to air September 12th.
The last woman to host the VMA’s was over 15 years ago and it was, wait for it, Roseanne Barr. Handler is probably best known for her lewd best-selling books “Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea” and “Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.” It was her book’s popularity and more precisely the college audience that ate them up that appealed to MTV general manager Stephen K. Friedman. Friedman said of Chandler:
“She’s an unexpected choice. And yet you look at her following from our audience and it makes sense. They’re passionate fans.” He went on to say, “There is a sweet spot that loves her. Her college fan base, for us, really made the point that she will appeal more broadly.”
As for Chelsea she’s of course got a great sense of humor about the big time hosting gig:
“If there’s one awards show that I should be hosting, it’s probably this one. My personality probably wouldn’t jell with the Emmys or the Golden Globes.”
“Chelsea Lately” will be featuring a week of music-award-themed episodes leading up to the big night. As of this post the line-up for those shows is still yet to be determined.
What do you think of MTV’s choice? Are you excited about Chelsea hosting or do you feel it was a bad move?
Top Photo: Kevan Brooks/AdMedia
