Fox is taking a page from CBS' playbook, going with a standout performer on a hit comedy series as the host of the Primetime Emmy Awards. After How I Met Your Mother co-star Neil Patrick Harris garnered rave reviews as Emmy host of the CBS-carried ceremony, I hear that Fox has zeroed in on Glee co-star Jane Lynch for emcee duties this year. Under the recently signed new eight-year deal between the Big 4 broadcast networks and the TV Academy, the Emmy Awards will air on Fox this September, with Mark Burnett executive producing. Lynch already did a good job for Fox hosting the network's upfront presentations for the past two years as her Glee character Sue Sylvester. With her background as an actress/comedian and singer, Lynch had emerged as a top choice for the hosting gig. Other Fox personalities that reportedly had been considered include Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, who has hosted roasts and can sing too, but he would've probably kept network censors with their fingers ready on the mute button every time he speaks. The obvious Fox choice, previous Emmy host Ryan Seacrest, may have been too awkward as he embodies Fox's reality juggernaut American Idol and the Emmys will air just as Fox will be launching its new singing series, Simon Cowell's X Factor.

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/

Official: Jane Lynch to host Emmys
by James Hibberd
Jun 2, 2011


Fox got its press release together and made it official: Jane Lynch is this year’s Emmy host.

“I am tickled pink to be hosting the Primetime Emmys,” Lynch said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to singing, dancing and sporting my finest tracksuit.”

The "Glee" star picked up the Emmy award for best supporting actress in a comedy at last year’s ceremony.





“We’re delighted to have Jane Lynch host the Primetime Emmys this year,” said John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

“When our host has comedic, dramatic and musical talents — as Jane proved in last year’s opening number — we know it’s going to be fun for us and for the audience at home!”





“Jane was my first — and only — choice as the host for this year’s Primetime Emmys, and I am glad she said ‘yes,’” said executive producer Mark Burnett.

“She has incredible comedic timing, and is a charismatic, talented actress whose energy leaps off the screen and stage. I am thrilled and excited to have her as our host.”





“Jane Lynch is one of the most gifted and entertaining actresses in film and television today, and we are thrilled she will be hosting the Primetime Emmys,” said Fox alternative programming head Mike Darnell.

“With her background in improvisation, her incredible comedic timing and a worldwide fan base that spans all ages, Jane is the perfect person to help us make this year’s show absolutely unforgettable.”



The show will air on Sunday, Sept. 18.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/02/jane-lynch-to-host-emmys/