Wayne Brady, comedian on the popular improvisation show Who’s Line Is It Anyway?, has been chosen to emcee this year’s Miss America Pageant.
Brady, 30, will be the pageant’s first African-American emcee in its 81-year history.
“My selection as host is a defining moment, as I will be able to proudly represent the African-American community for the first time in the telecast’s history,” said Brady in a statement.
However, he points out that it is his sense of humor – not his skin color — that landed him the job.
“I was asked because [more] than some of the previous hosts, I bring a youthful energy to the proceedings,” he said. “I’m the first African-American and that’s great, but let’s move on.”
The Miss America Pageant airs on September 21 on ABC, and Brady’s newest project The Wayne Brady Show, airs September 2 on the same network.
