QUDDUS TO HOST ABC'S NEW MUSIC COMPETITION SERIES "DUETS"

Television personality Quddus, best known from his days as the host of MTV's "Total Request Live," will host the highly anticipated ABC music competition series, "Duets." Quddus joins the previously announced cast featuring Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke, as they set out across the United States looking for two singers to be their duets partners and perform each week. The series will premiere on ABC this summer.

"From the moment I met Quddus, I knew he would be the perfect host for 'Duets,'" said Robert Deaton, executive producer. "He first and foremost loves music, and that quality, combined with his great personality, will provide a special connection to both the artists on our show and the audience."

"To say that I'm excited to be the host of 'Duets' would be an understatement," said Quddus. "This show is going to take the singing competition genre to the next level, and I'm absolutely honored to be a part of it."

Quddus' professional career in broadcasting began in 2000 as a host and co-writer of "VOX," a groundbreaking Youth Culture Show on TV Ontario which went on to win a Gemini Award (Canada's version of the Emmy(R)). This led to his big break - hosting "Total Request Live" on MTV. As host of MTV's biggest show, Quddus conducted daily interviews with stars such as Will Smith, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jake Gyllenhall, Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Denzel Washington, and his work on "Total Request Live" led to both Usher and Britney Spears requesting him to host their Showtime concert specials. Quddus' popularity among MTV fans and celebrities alike earned him a 2003 Favorite TV Personality nomination at the Teen Choice Awards. In 2005 TV Guide named him one of TV's Hottest New Stars, USA Today featured him as a "young hunk worth watching," and Teen People named him one of the "50 Sexiest Men Ever." In 2008, the New York Times called him "the Ryan Seacrest of the Hip-Hop generation," while The Associated Press declared him "the coolest guy on television."

Since leaving MTV, Quddus has expanded his presence in television, film and music, hosting "TVOne Access" and Nickelodeon's "Dance on Sunset." He was also a correspondent for "Access Hollywood" and has appeared on "CSI: Miami," the CW's "Half & Half," "Girlfriends," as well as the indie film "Life is Hot in Cracktown." On the music front, Quddus made his impact felt as an A&R consultant for MySpace Records, where he discovered and signed R&B sensation Mateo. He has gone on to direct music videos for Mateo and rising star Erin Christine. He's also taken on the internet in a major way by hosting "The MySpace Music Feed," AOL and the Jonas Brothers' joint venture, "Cambio Connect," and creating his own website and video blog, TheQside.com. Quddus also lends his time to the non-profit organization Generosity Water, volunteers at A Place Called Home in South Los Angeles, and recently went to Haiti on an aid mission.

"Duets" is a one-of-a-kind singing competition that takes the Superstars out from behind the judges' panel and onto the stage. Quddus will host, as Clarkson, Nettles, Richie and Thicke set out on individual journeys across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their protégés. Ultimately, each Superstar will choose two singers for their duet partners. Together, the Superstar and the protégé will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records. For a sneak peek at what the Superstars have to say about the competition, click here.

Amateur singers interested in auditioning for the Superstars as they travel the country looking for talent can apply online at: www.ABC.com/Casting.

"Duets" is a production of Keep Calm and Carry On Productions. Emmy-winner Robert Deaton ("The CMA Awards") is the executive producer. Emmy winner Charles Wachter ("Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution") is the co-executive producer.