LL Cool J: Fun to watch celebs being silly
Host of Lip Sync Battle, LL Cool J, says there's simply no downside to watching celebs be serious about being silly
LL Cool J may be the host of Lip Sync Battle, but taking part himself in the popular reality TV singing show is not far from his mind.
The 48-year-old US actor and rapper told M yesterday in a phone interview from Los Angeles that he already has ideas about which song he would lip sync to, but was determined to keep his plans a secret.
"I can't tell you because if it ever happens, I'll be letting the cat out of the bag," he said.
In each episode of Lip Sync Battle, two celebrities compete to give the best lip-syncing performance to songs of their choice.
The second season is showing on Comedy Central (Singtel TV Ch 324/StarHub TV Ch 516) at 8.30pm and will feature stars such as Channing Tatum, Kevin Hart and Eva Longoria.
LL Cool J, who is working on a follow-up to his 2013 album Authentic and has been starring in police drama NCIS: Los Angeles since 2009, tells us more about why he enjoys his latest gig on Lip Sync Battle.
Has Lip Sync Battle boosted your career since it debuted last year?
I was known to a lot of people within the hip hop community, (but) the show definitely introduced me to a new, younger and mainstream audience. I embrace that.
It is always fun to touch new people, discover new fans and make new fans and friends around the world.
If I get to be a part of something that helps me do that, I think that's great.
The show's commentator, US model Chrissy Teigen, gave birth to daughter Luna, her first child with her US singer-husband John Legend, last month. Did her pregnancy have any impact on filming?
I am extremely happy for them. It is really a blessing... And Chrissy, she had the baby, but then she bounced back so quickly. You can't even tell she had a baby.
We're ready to begin Season 3 and she has had the baby already. The timing couldn't have been better. Not that that matters anyway, because ultimately, life is always the priority.
BRINGING THE HOUSE DOWN: Anne Hathaway (above) working the wrecking ball and Channing Tatum (below) decked out in Beyonce drag on different episodes. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM/LIP SYNC BATTLE
Who is your favourite celebrity performer so far?
There were so many great people (in Season 2). The premiere with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum with Beyonce and Paula Abdul was amazing...
"I have no particular favourites because it is always something different. Something new happens every episode...
(But) one of the moments that sticks in my head was when Anne Hathaway was on the wrecking ball (in Season 1).
What are the best and worst parts of hosting Lip Sync Battle?
There is no worst part. What could be bad about watching A-list celebrities syncing their hearts out, being silly, being serious about being silly, going hard, being competitive?...
The best part would probably be seeing stars let their hair down in a way that you would never expect.
So who else is on your wish list?
Without being disrespectful, if we could get some former world leaders to come on or maybe some royalty, I think it'll be a lot of fun.
"Seeing George W. Bush competing against Bill Clinton would be hilarious.
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