LOS ANGELES , Aug. 20 (UPI) -- “American Idol” emcee Ryan Seacrest has been selected to host next month's 59th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Variety.com reported Monday.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation regarding who might be named host of the Sept. 16 event honoring the best in U.S. television at the Shrine Auditorium.
Hosts of big awards shows are usually chosen earlier in the production schedule.
While Seacrest is believed to have always been in the running, Variety.com cited sources who said the Fox network was initially concerned about risking overexposure.
In addition to "Idol," Seacrest anchors "E! News Daily" and can be heard during morning drive time on Los Angeles' KIIS-FM.
"Ryan Seacrest is known and loved by television audiences around the world," said Fox alternative entertainment president Mike Darnell. "His work on 'American Idol' is unparalleled in the industry. He's a consummate host of major live broadcast events and a proven talent who always makes it look easy, which makes him the perfect choice for this year's Emmy telecast."
