The first Saturday Night Live host of the season will be none other than America's Olympics golden boy. Michael Phelps, fresh off winning eight gold medals in Beijing, will make his acting debut "live from New York" on Sept. 13.
It'll be the second time in a row that SNL has turned to a sports figure to kick off its season: NBA star LeBron James hosted last year's premiere. And over the years, athletes have turned in some classic SNL performances (Peyton Manning was a personal favorite). And yet, well, I saw Phelps interviewed several times in Beijing, and . . . let's just say it's a good thing he wasn't competing in the 200-meter small talk.
That said, maybe he was just too focused on his races to be funny. Maybe Phelps has an inner comedian just waiting for the right time to burst forth. What do you think?
Pussy Deluxe
Piquadro
Temperley London
Just because you're good at one thing doesn't mean you'll be good at everything. Just can't see him being a successful SNL host. But he is, indeed, a great swimmer.
1I don't want to judge him too quickly, but I've seen other athletes who just seem to crash and burn on the SNL stage, like Tom Brady and Jeff Gordon. I feel like Peyton Manning and Lebron James were outliers, plus everyone knows they already have great, funny personalities, just turn to ESPN and look at their commercials. I want Michael Phelps to do well only because he seems to be so likable in real life.
2i don't know if he'll make a good host or not - is he even that funny? i guess we'll just have to wait and see 2 weeks from now huh? ithkn that he's certainly coming into his own though. that's a great thing for him and now he'll always be remembered for his greatness.
3well i hope he doesn't crash and burn! but he doesn't seem to take himself too seriously outside of swimming so maybe he'll be good. Peyton was my personal favorite too though!
4Ugh I saw this coming. I can not stand him! They need to have actual actors hosting the show, not these people who are living up their 15 minutes of fame.
5I think it's pretty ridiculous - I can imagine him being a good actor. This is just SNL trying to cash in on his fame to boost their ratings. You can't blame them for that, really, but I wouldn't expect it to be a great show.
6Sorry, that was supposed to be "I can'T imagine...."
7I think its kinda cute when non-actors host. I don't think anybody will be expecting an Emmy to come out of this and he seems like a good sport. I think it'll be fun to watch!
8I'll watch, but I don't see him being a great host. I think the way he stumbles over his words from time to time is kind of endearing, but I think it will work against him is this arena.
I have one question: will he be shirtless the entire time?
9I'll be watching. Although I do find it ridiculous and did see this coming from a MILE AWAY. He's the King of America right now...everybody wants a piece of him. Hopefully he's just be as cute as ever!!!
lilkimbo...that should totally be part of his stipulation to appear. MUST BE SHIRTLESS FOR ENTIRE SHOW!!!
10you know I'll be watching it no matter what. And SNL as a whole isn't even that funny any more so how much damage can Phelps really do?
11tiaba i totally agree - i'm def down with him hosting so long as he's shirtless about 99% of the time!
12I think we should make sure NBC knows that he must be shirtless. It's what the people want.
13He might be funny, but I doubt it. I'm not really in on the whole Michael Phelps craze. I don't really find anything he does impressive, just ridiculous.
14If only Aaron Peirsol and Ryan Lochte would make guest appearances too I would be happy!
I am sure he will do fine, it won't be outta the park but maybe better than expected. And, he deserves to have a little fun now I think!
15He alwyas seems off to me in interviews. This is a BAD idea!
16I think (or hope) he will do well. If not, well I can still watch an 1-1/2 hrs of eye candy (
).
17Some athletes are hilarious on the show, others not so much. I guess it really just depends on your natural personality rather than your athletic talent.
18No, I think it will be really awkward and not funny. I will give him a chance though, but I don't think athletes should go on SNL. I bet that he will dress in drag in one skit or another, so at least we can get a kick out of that.
19Ill watch. He just needs to show up.
20I'll watch and hope he does okay!
21I like when people who are not actors by trade, host the show, because it lets you see another side of them
22Justin Timberlake is hysterical...and who would've thought!
I love me some Michael Phelps but this is weird!
23"He might be funny, but I doubt it. I'm not really in on the whole Michael Phelps craze. I don't really find anything he does impressive, just ridiculous."
You don't think winning more gold medals in Olympic history is impressive??
24peyton manning's hosting was the funniest snl i've seen in years... i could watch that locker room dance scene or his 'united way' commercials over and over again!
that being said, i think peyton has a lot more personality and tv experience than michael.. i'll watch it regardless- love me some amy pohler
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