Why Ryan Seacrest Was Successful As Emmy Host

That's right; he's just a host. Seacrest is not an actor, actress, comedian, or talk show host that was a comedian previously. He's just a host. He started hosting a successful radio show, and moved on to being so good at hosting American Idol, his cohost Brian Dunkelman was canned, while he continued on alone. He's added hosting duties at E! now as well. But, through it all, he's a host for radio and TV. So, who should host an awards ceremony honoring the best in television? One of television's best hosts!

Can we all say a huge "Thank God!"? There isn't a television or movie fan out there that enjoys those horrible song montages that are done by the hosts of Emmys and Oscars, with one exception. Billy Crystal was a master at those songs, but they should be left only in his care, as he is the only one that can do them justice. Even Seacrest admitted he doesn't sing, so let's be glad he didn't use this as an opportunity to show up Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Then again, that opening song was left to the "stars" of Family Guy. Maybe it would have been better to hear Seacrest.

Not only is Seacrest not a singer, he's not a comedian either. Sure, he can come up with some snappy zings to Simon Cowl on American Idol, but he's not really ready for a monologue. Seacrest was smart here, and left that to the experts. He did his hosting duties, and when it came time for some comedy interjections to lighten up the evening, he left that to the likes of pros Ray Romano and Ellen DeGeneres. He did what he did best, simply hosting and announcing, and schmoozing with celebrities.

After so many rumors last year surrounding a possible relationship between himself and Terri Hatcher, seeing her in the audience, he just looked at her and said, "Hello, Terri ..." sounding almost like Jerry Seinfeld addressing Newman. He also was talking about the show Weeds having an amazing after-party, and asked Paula Abdul for a little confirmation of that. She covered well, but didn't seem pleased.

How many of those earlier Emmy hosts, Carson, Willis, Lansbury, would have not only worked the 3-1/2 hour telecast, including all the prep work beforehand of rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, etc., but would have also worked the red carpet pre-show of everyone arriving for the ceremony? Only a workaholic like Seacrest would do that. I don't even think Jay Leno, who is well-known for his continuous work schedule, would have worked it all.