Tracy Morgan, Billboard Music Awards: Stand Up Comedian Hosting 2013 Awards Show on ABC, Prince to Receive Icon Award, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Miguel Performing

Comedian and former "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan is going to be hosting the 2013 "Billboard Music Awards." Billboard announced on Wednesday that the controversial comedian will have the honor of hosting the popular music awards show. The outspoken comedian is a popular, yet dangerous choice for Billboard. The former "Saturday Night Live" cast member came under fire back in 2011 for an anti-gay rant he made while on stage at a stand up gig at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Morgan eventually issued an apology and now has the "Billboard Music Awards" hosting job that will air on ABC.

The 44-year-old comedian will be hosting the show from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden on May 19. Among the musical stars set to perform are Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and Miguel. Prince is also set to make an appearance to accept the Icon Award. On Billboard.com, Morgan said, "I'm honored to be a part of one of music's biggest nights. When you look at the artists who have come up through Billboard over the years, it's incredible. And how can you say no when Prince is going to be there!"

Morgan was a cast member on "SNL" from 1996 to 2003 and also played Tracy Jordan on NBC's hit sitcom "30 Rock." According to Billboard, the awards will be based on the reporting period from February 27, 2012 to February 24, 2013. The results will be based on Billboard's own chart rankings which includes album sales, downloads, social media, radio airplay and more.

At last year's "Billboard Music Awards" Adele won 12 awards, including top artist. "Modern Family" stars Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen were the hosts. This year's awards show could be going in an entirely different direction if the host choice is any indication. The "Modern Family" actors are relatively safe choices as hosts, while Morgan represents a risky selection. If Seth MacFarlane's "Oscars" hosting performance is any indication, critics won't be impressed by raunchy comedy. However, if ABC is looking for ratings, Morgan may be the controversial choice that could give the network a ratings boost.

What do you think of the decision to have Tracy Morgan host the 2013 "Billboard Music Awards?"