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Michael Phelps to host 'SNL' season premiere

Aug 28, 2008, 10:40 AM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: Olympic Stud of the Day, Olympics, Sports, Television, Waiting

Michaelphelps_l Our Olympic Stud of the Day will be hosting Saturday Night Live's 34th season premiere Sept. 13th. (Musical guest Lil Wayne.) My internal monologue upon reading the press release:

- Do the monologue in a Speedo. Do the monologue in a Speedo. (And not that full-body one.)
- Andy Samberg will make a great Ryan Lochte.
- Would Michael be too busy to do something with EW.com?
- Annie and I are going to fight over it.

What was your first-response internal monologue to news of Phelps' hosting duties?

Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

Anyone else think if a son is old enough to look like Michael Phelps, the mom shouldn't be referring to him as "gorgeous"

Sam Sat, Sep 6, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST

Forget Phelps....Tina Fey needs to host so she can star in a Sarah Palin skit!!!!

Jan Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

My son looks just like Michael Phelps-so of course I think they are both gorgeous! Can't wait to see Michael on SNL. Do you think they need a look alike for anything?

CVisca Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

Let's see... I'm 23, I'm moving to NYC on the 7th and the likelihood I'll snag a job before the 13th is unfortunately not good... where do I get audience tickets?

MesaATLien Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

I think Ryan Lochte should make a cameo appearance. Now THAT would be a good show w/ both of them on there!

B Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST

Lots and lots of sketches with Kristen Wiig.

jj11 Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

My fiance and I watched a LOT of Olympics and whenever one of the Karoyli's were on, we would improvise thier dialogue, Ala MST 3000. We would crack each other up. Ex. Marta Karoyli when the girls would get done with a routine, "Fine, yah if you parapaaaleeegic Ukranie. I have shirt from Nadia that can do better than YOU!

duranmom Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 06:06 AM EST

jj11 -- you have me LOL here! You know someone is going to do a Bela Karoyli imitaion of him practically humgging Bob Costas during the Women's All Around. They need to work in a special "Olympics in Review" segment.

duranmom Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 05:56 AM EST

I'm soooooo with you on the Speedo. Good luck going mano y mano with Annie.

Brandon Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:18 PM EST

Me: Guess I'm not looking forward to new SNL as much as I thought.

not saying Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

SNL too edgey for me these days, speedo would be typical. i wonder if the swimmers could wear any less than some of them do.

HadasBT Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

wait wait Lochte and Bela Karolyi would have the most entertaining convo

HadasBT Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 09:20 PM EST

RYAN LOCHTE- love him
'nuff said
hahahaaha I hope they do Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson and Bolt!!

LisaM Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 08:39 PM EST

They should do a reality show sketch, "Michael Phelps Tries to Outswim Sharks"

Me 2 Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 08:32 PM EST

As long as all's fair as far as gender objectification, let's go the whole 9 yards. We'll have a his and hers olympian oggling double feature. "Me" has the right idea but there are better pieces than Phelp's sisters. I say we trod out Misty May and Kerri for some topless slip n' slide/dancing/make out action. We'll make it and hourlong special that will send the ratings through the roof. And let's throw in some of those softball girls for good measure. They got silver. They must atone. But not the ugos, they can work the lights.

Me Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 07:35 PM EST

If Michael "goes speedo" then his sister(s) must "go thong".

Ricardo Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

Who's Michael Phelps?

And Saturday Night Live is still on?

Who stays at home on Saturday night anymore?

Why should I care?

Mark Spitz Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 06:21 PM EST

Yeah, I definitely could have hosted SNL too...except in 1972 SNL wasn't around yet. But if it had been, I could have hosted.

stacy Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 06:18 PM EST

I second (or third) the Jonny Moseley sentiment. He was too funny!

Bad Idea Jeans! LOL! That's a classic.

I will watch it b/c I love the show but come on, Lorne. You could do better.

Fatima Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

As odd as it is, I totally had a feeling that this would happen. SNL has an Olympic record, and I kind of just thought it was inevitable

Watt Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:18 PM EST

Hopefully he's hosting it from the neck down. That's a face only an over-bearing obsessed single mother could love.

Agatha Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

It makes me think of three words: "Bad Idea Jeans"

Alan of Montreal Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

This makes me think of two words--"over" and "exposed"

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

Cash in while you can, dude.

EP Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

I actually met Michael Phelps at a Michigan football game in 2006! He was very cute in person and super nice and I did recognize him. I got my picture taken with him. I will be rooting for him as well. Also, yes, I am a woman, and yes there is a double standard. His body is smoking hot!

Lynzlou Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

OMG!!! I'm super excited for the new season. And what better way to kick it off than with Michael Phelps?? Hope he has a blast. Now i know a lot of people want to see Ryan Lochte, but um, come on. Aaron Peirsol is so much better.

anthony phelps fan Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 03:24 PM EST

I love michael phelps (not in a homosexual way, although there's nothing wrong with that) and i think he should be on an EW coverstory. No offense to the gals from 90210 part deux, or to HP and the fall movie issue, or to batman and one of his 2 issue covers in a matter of weeks, but phelps provided me more summer tv entertainment than i can recall having in the last 4 summers. his performance at the olympics was stunning and i think he entertained lots of people (hello ratings gold, NBC!)

Consider doing cover stories on unconventional entertainers...just food for thought.

Lindy Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

I'll be watching!! I like to see sports personalties do the show and act crazy. I remember Andy Roddick did the show after he won the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in 2002, I think it was. Go, Michael!! Have all the fun you can with your swimming glory. Looking back, you'll probably remember all this other "stuff" as much as winning your medals in the Olympics.

Dawn Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

get garrett weber-gale on there too (the robert downey jr. lookalike who is seen in all those after-the-relay cheering pictures with Phelps) - he's a doll!!!

Dawn Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

jj11, you had me laughing out loud.

Barbara Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

I called my mother

arryana Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

it took me a few seconds to even READ the post since my eyes were glued to his picture. his body is spectacular! i'll be watching SNL and rooting for him to do well (all the while hoping he makes an appearance in speedos).

Hannah Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

I actually gasped out loud. Very exciting. Let's see some Olympic-esque sketches!

jj11 Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

I would like to see Bela Karoyli host SNL.
"Who es thees band, Fall on a Boy? Es Reeep OFF!!"

Winona Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

Bring back the men's synchronized swimming with Harry Shearer and Martin Short!

Mark Spitz Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

I could have hosted SNL too, you know.

Anne Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

He looks fantastic from the waist down (bonus if SNL speedo is dangerously low), but then he starts talking and I shudder. No disrespect. Give me Lochte. Now, that boy is hot.

Mark Spitz Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM EST

I could have hosted SNL too, you know.

jaime Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:52 PM EST

I wanna see the gymnist in SPEEDOS. . .now that would be HOT!

Michael Phelps Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

Thank you for all the positive notes. I look forward to bringing my medals to the set. I hope to show off and have some fun, ofcourse.

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

People will forget him for the next four years. So yeah, this sounds about right, cash in before the last light is shut off. Beijing is deserted already.

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

Mike Meyers could do a cameo as mother Phelps

Dinosaur Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

He doesn't have the guts to do what Joe Montana did.

LisaMama Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

He seems like a nice guy, and my first thought was "why not? Let the guy have some fun and enjoy himself. He deserves it". Peyton Manning was funny on SNL and I'm sure Michael will do great.

Amanda Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

Laser cats in the water cube! That was too funny!

Matt Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

They should have a skit where he outswims everyone in the pool at record pace - infact, he's getting interviewed by Bob Costas afterwards while the rest of the opponents are still finishing up! :) And through the entire interview, Mike's only response to every question is "Ummm...you know, I'm still speechless...wow!"

Robert Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

I guess this is a good way for the writers to get material right?

Well anyhow, my first thought was they'd play up his big ears by having him play a 5-6 year old kid.

home-and-dry Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

And here I was worried we wouldn't see him again til 2012....

SG Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

LJ--we women (and there are millions of us out here, of all ages and nationalities) have taken a page from the mens' piggish rule-book for once...absolutely NO ONE was focused solely on Phelps' face during the Olympics. The man easily has one of the hottest bodies of all time. Period.

It's actually been funny reading similar comments from baffled men over the last few weeks..."WHAT do women see in Phelps?!" LOL! They just ain't gettin' it. Turnaround is fair play, guys. How's it feel?

As far as hosting SNL, he'll do fine; he's just self-deprecating, which is, in itself, refreshing these days--and far from dumb!

skye Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

this was my reaction:

*mouth agape for full minute*
".........................Yes."
What better reason to watch the show I'm dying to work on(in 4 years)!
I wish I had tivo in my dorm

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

this was me

*mouth agaape for full minute*
"...........................Yes."
What better reason to watch the show I'mtrying to work on in 4 years?! I wish I had tivo in my dorm

Alyssa Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

I hope Ryan Lochte makes a cameo and plays himself. He's my favorite swimmer and so cute.

guy Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

i bet theres gonna be a "oh too quick for ya" kinda sketch symbolizing his last second win vs that guy. its gonna be like a girl asks a guy for something and phelps does it one second faster so the girl wants to make out with phelps. to end with "Damn you Michael phelps!"

Jughed Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

My inner monologue is thinking: Man, SNL will do anything for ratings...

I'm one of the few people who would rather have actors and comedians hosting SNL than...ugh...athletes.

Although I would tune in to watch Alicia Sacramone. She's fine.

Chief Editor Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

Hoping he's more charismatic on the show than he has been in interviews: http://www.entertonement.com/collections/2197/Michael-Phelps

V Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

OK, here's my Olympic-themed sketch cast:
Amy Poehler as Amanda Beard (pregnant!)
Seth Myers as Ryan Lochte
Andy Samberg as Alain Bernard
Jason Sudekis as Bob Costas
Surprise appearance by Will Arnett as Chris Collinsworth

Also, maybe some Laser Cats in the Water Cube?

And, of course, let there be Speedo.

coco Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

he looks extremely hot in his swimming gear, speedo, hat and gogles on top of the head.
On the street he looks like another tall guy, we saw last year at a Michigan football game and we have to be told who he was. He was just hanging out being a normal kid. Kind of cute though.
Can't wait to see him on SNL.

Can't wait to see him

nikki28 Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

LJ, Phelps has moments of hotness, but is not hot overall. And my first thought upon hearing about SNL was `Lil'Wayne, really? That's kinda lame and not much of a stretch.`

MsDaisy Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

SNL gave Peyton Manning a personality when he hosted (who knew?) so maybe they can do the same thing for Mikey. Wonder if Mama Phelps makes the show.

Snarf Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

Ugly-sexy. And everyone LOVES a winner.

Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

not going to be funny . . . and please no speedos. haven't we all seen enough?

LJ Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

Half-serious question: do women actually find Phelps to be "hot"? I thought it was universally acknowledged that, while an amazing athlete, he is kinda butt ugly.

EP Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

I love me some Michael Phelps, but not sure about his comic abilities. I'll be thinking good thoughts for him! It will be interesting to see what kind of digital short Andy Samberg will think up for him. And agreed, the whole thing will go much better if he has to wear a speedo the whole time.

Rahul Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:50 AM EST

Hopefully his eyes won't be nervously focused on the cue cards like other non-pros who've hosted. Someone should play a grandstanding Usain Bolt trying to beat Michael at swimming.

Mells Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

Innerself: "Wow, a small red speedo as he comes bounding out the door for his monologe - but then he'll have to speak. Darnit" That kid's like a swan: lovely and graceful in the water yet strangely awkward on land...I bet they do at least one skit where he's in drag. That's usually what they do to the athletes. Derek Jeter was my favorite.

Rebekah Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

I'm torn. Jonny Moseley was great. But Nancy Kerrigan may have been the worst host of all time. The Speedo idea works for me.

BrandonK Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:35 AM EST

Jonny Moseley was AWESOME!!!!

BrandonK Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

I hope he's a better sketch comedian than he is interviewee. It's always a toss-up when they have sports people host.

KG Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

inner monologue: milking

chmoye Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM EST

My inner monologue recalls the Nancy Kerrigan debacle of the early 90s. Sure hope Phelps has a sense of humor since he's sorely lacking in personality. Great athlete though. Stick to the pool.

Sarah Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

My inner monologue says "Yawn! No Olympian will beat Jonny Moseley and his dinner roll"

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