For the record, we could never host the MTV Video Music Awards.
It’s a tough job, having to be cool and hip and pretty and funny and not look like you’re trying too hard or anything.
Then again, we’re not celebrities. And it’s sort of the job of celebrities to pull all of these things off well.
The following celebrities have it a shot as hosts of the MTV Video Music Awards over the years. And, simply put, we hope they never get asked back.
They were terrible…
Dan Akyord and Bette Midler (1984)
No, really, these two hosted the first-ever VMAs. No one really remembers because Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” performance stole the show. But no one really remembers because they weren’t very good, either.
Dana Carvey (1992)
He was big on SNL. He was coming off Wayne’s World. But aside from dressing up as Garth, an obvious move at the time, Carvey was a flop.
Christian Slater (1993)
Christian Slater was (is?) a heartthrob at the time. But this isn’t an actor who has ever been known for his comedic chops.
Chelsea Handler (2011)
She sat in a hot tub with cast members of the Jersey Shore. That was funny. But Handler couldn’t be AS lewd as she likes to be, which may have been why she failed.
Diddy (2005)
We used to think Diddy could do it all: rap, produce, act, etc. But then we saw him try to be funny in 2005… and our thoughts changed.
Ben Stiller (2002)
Not a total trainwreck. But Stiller excepts at sketches, not at improve or at managing a show.
Roseanne Barr (1994)
Michael Jackson kissed his wife on stage. This is all anyone remembers about 1994. But Barr’s poor performance is worth noting.
Russell Brand (2009, 2010)
Yes, despite his offensive and immature schtick, Brand pulled double hosting duty. We have no clue why.
Shawn and Marlon Wayans (2000)
Marlon mooned the audience at one point. What else is there to say?!?
No One (2007, 2011, 2013)
Likely sick of some of the failures listed here, the show went without a host three times. That idea also failed.
Chris Rock (2003)
He improved over time. He was great hosting the Oscars in 2016. But this one just didn’t work out.
Jack Black (2006)
We just don’t find Jack Black funny. So that is likely the reason he ended up here.
Jaime Foxx (2008)
We never thought we’d have said this back during the In Living Color days, but Foxx should stick to drama.