Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

jennbaby Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:48 PM

Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

WASHINGTON (AP) - Jay Leno's new announcer on NBC's 'The Tonight Show' will be 'Stuttering' John Melendez from Howard Stern's radio show, a spokeswoman said.

Melendez will start March 29, replacing Edd Hall, who's leaving the show after 12 years to concentrate on doing movies.

He is working with a speech coach to control his stutter, a 'Tonight Show' spokeswoman told The Associated Press Wednesday.

Besides announcing, Melendez will be in sketches and will go out on interviews. Melendez is famous for embarrassing the people he talks to, but he won't be doing that sort of interview for Leno, the spokeswoman said.

'Tonight Show' executives became interested in Melendez after seeing him on the ABC reality show 'I'm a Celebrity: Get Me out of Here.' The spokeswoman said Melendez came across as a 'peacemaker' and 'family man.'

How will he even get the words out?

KathleenG Posted: Feb 19, 2004 10:56 PM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

YAY!!! I love John!!! I think he is cute for some reason.

Becky Posted: Feb 20, 2004 07:20 AM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

Does that mean he wont be on Stern anymore? I wouldn't mind that because he irritates me.

janwinterbridejoy Posted: Feb 20, 2004 07:24 AM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

wow its about time he gets a better job then howard sterns flunky

starhead Posted: Feb 20, 2004 08:45 AM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

I am shocked and amazed that John finally got the b@lls to leave the show. I'm also shocked that he got this job!!

coselige Posted: Feb 20, 2004 08:47 AM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

Wow. I cannot believe he is leaving the show. Good for him though!

shelzyp Posted: Feb 20, 2004 09:14 AM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

Although he is annoying, I do enjoy listening to him, and his stutter has gotten so much better.

molly25 Posted: Feb 20, 2004 12:11 PM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

I WILL MISS HIM ON STERN . I ALWAYS THOUGHT HE WAS SO FUNNY. I SAW HIM LAST YEAR WITH ARTIE LANG DOWN IN FLORIDA DOING STANDUP. THEY WERE GREAT TOGETHER. CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S GOING TO BE ON LENO!

franksbride Posted: Feb 20, 2004 12:48 PM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

I'm pretty shocked that he's leaving Howard...but will probably enjoy him just as much on the Tonight Show.

tanbride Posted: Feb 20, 2004 12:57 PM

Re: Stern's 'John' to Announce 'Tonight Show'

I ran into him at a bar in Oyster Bay back in November, he was with Seth Green of all people! He was very nice. I am also surprised - I assume he will move to CA?
I can't wait until Howard comes back on Monday and talks about it!