Chelsea Handler to host VMAs

E! late-night host Chelsea Handler will host this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

The network made the announcement via Twitter.

The choice is refreshing, yet unexpected for a few reasons. She doesn't have a strong music or film connection, has a slightly older audience than one typically associates with MTV, is best known for a show on E! (a Comcast-owned rival to MTV Networks' MTV, Comedy Central and VH1) and is -- gasp -- a woman.

Only three women have hosted the VMAs, and none in more than a decade.