CROWDED STAGE

In a break from tradition, Fox has tapped a whopping nine celebs to preside over next month's 55th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony in lieu of a single emcee. They include previous hosts Garry Shandling, Ellen DeGeneres and Conan O'Brien, as well as Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Wanda Sykes, George Lopez, Martin Short, Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live's Darrell Hammond. "We've searched high and low to find the funniest people in California who are not running for governor," jokes Academy chairman Bryce Zabel. "It was a challenge, but this All-Star comedy team promises to make America laugh without asking for a campaign contribution." The 2003 Emmys will air on Fox Sept. 21.