Quddus tapped to host 'Duets'

Former "Total Request Live" host Quddus is to preside over the new U.S. music competition series, "Duets," ABC said Thursday. Quddus joins previously announced cast members Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke. The show follows the stars as they set out across the country 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,'" Robert Deaton, the show's executive producer, said in a statement. "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 leveeRl, and I'm absolutely honored to be a part of it." Quddus was also a correspondent for "Access Hollywood" and has appeared on "CSI: Miami," the CW's "Half & Half," "Girlfriends," as well as in the independent film "Life is Hot in Cracktown." He worked as a consultant for MySpace Records and has directed music videos for artists Mateo and Erin Christine, as well.