YouTube sensation Lilly Singh, who goes by the stage name Superwoman and has her roots in Punjab, has landed a rare chance to host a late night talk show on a major broadcast network -- a feat for a woman of colour.
Canadian-born Singh will replace Carson Daly as the host of NBC's late night talk show. The show will be re-titled "A Little Late with Lilly Singh" and will launch in September, making her the only woman to currently host a late night talk show on one of the big networks, reported variety.com.
"A Little Late" will feature Singh, who first became famous as a YouTube star, conducting in-studio interviews, as well as feature pre-taped comedy sketches and other "signature elements."
"Lilly is truly a star and we're thrilled to welcome her to our NBC family," said Doug Vaughan, executive vice president, special programmes and late night, NBC Entertainment.
Vaughan added: "She is a multi-talented performer who will surely have a great rapport with not only all her guests but also with our devoted late night audience. We can't wait to get started."
It’s official. Ya girl is getting her own @nbc late night show... A Little Late with Lilly Singh. Thank you so much for being here. I am truly so grateful. ❤️
— Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) March 15, 2019
Thank you @jimmyfallon @sethmeyers pic.twitter.com/h44HoPRtel
Lilly was set to appear on Thursday night's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in order to make the announcement.
"An Indian-Canadian woman with her own late night show? Now that is a dream come true. I'm thrilled to bring it to life on NBC, and I hope my parents consider this to be as exciting as a grandchild," she said.
Singh will serve as executive producer on "A Little Late", while Polly Auritt, who heads Singh's Unicorn Island Productions, will serve as co-executive producer.
Superwoman, as she is popular, has been famous with video series like Battle of Sexes, The Parents Lols, My Parents React, #GirlLove or Awkward Message Thoughts.
Honoured and privileged. Let’s do this 💪🏽❤️ https://t.co/C26biApbCb
— Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) March 15, 2019
Started from Scarborough and now she’s 🍾
— Cameron Bailey (@cameron_tiff) March 15, 2019
Massive respect to Lilly Singh, one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.
Fly, @IISuperwomanII, fly https://t.co/83QVxB1RPb
YES! So awesome congrats!
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) March 15, 2019
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥃
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 15, 2019
She’s come a long way! Proud of you sis! @IISuperwomanII https://t.co/64LC81PvfW
Congrats @IISuperwomanII on your new @nbc late night show! This is monumental! A bisexual woman of color hosting her own Late Night Show on @nbc Major! I will be watching and supporting! #SpreadTheWord pic.twitter.com/QMrOAF0COO
— Karamo Brown (@Karamo) March 15, 2019
This is HUGE.
— Momin Qureshi (@Momin680NEWS) March 15, 2019
1. Someone from my hometown hosting a late night show
2. Someone South Asian
3. A woman of colour
These are all things I thought I'd never see in that role, but I'm thrilled it's happening. Congrats @IISuperwomanII #RepresentOnAllFronts https://t.co/L38EabGwCp
On her latest role as a late night talk show host, actor Dwayne Johnson tweeted to Singh, saying: "She's come a long way! Proud of you sis."
Singh was overwhelmed with all the messages that came her way.
She wrote: "My heart is so incredibly full. Thank you so much for all the love and positive energy. I'm speechless. I'm overwhelmed... Oh... and India I can't wait to celebrate with you. Mamas timing ain't no mistake."
CONGRATULATIONS SISTER OMFG
— James Charles (@jamescharles) March 15, 2019
My heart is sooo full.. ladies and gentlemen you’re witnessing history!
— Humble The Poet (@humblethepoet) March 15, 2019
Congrats @IISuperwomanII!! pic.twitter.com/CKfhdGDlvK
Yeaaaahh @IISuperwomanII !! Go sis go! ❤️🙌🏾
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) March 15, 2019