“Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” has named Alzo Slade as its next judge and scorekeeper, starting this weekend in Austin, Texas. He replaces Bill Kurtis, who retired at the end of May, and becomes only the third person to hold the role in the show’s 29-year histor
When Alzo Slade steps fully into the judge and scorekeeper role this weekend in Austin, Texas, he’s not just landing a new job—he’s taking over a part of “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” that listeners have heard for years.
The show announced Slade as its next judge and scorekeeper, officially moving him into the position full time and succeeding iconic broadcaster Bill Kurtis. Kurtis retired at the end of May.
Slade. who listeners already know from frequent appearances as a panelist and from occasional stints as guest judge and scorekeeper. described the moment with a mix of disbelief and pride. “Joining Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!. as co-host, judge and scorekeeper feels equal parts honor and elaborate hoax or clerical error. Every time I’ve been on the show I’m reminded it somehow makes the news feel intelligent. human and just unhinged enough to survive the week. And much love and respect to Bill Kurtis. This guy is amazing!. Stepping into anything connected to that legendary voice is a bit like following a jazz legend at an open mic.”.
In a show that began 29 years ago, Slade becomes only the third judge and scorekeeper. NPR legend Carl Kasell created the role in 1998. Kurtis succeeded Kasell in 2015.
The appointment also brings an unusual kind of personality to the booth. Like his predecessors, Slade is described as an award-winning journalist—a Peabody and three Emmys are part of his record. But his path to the show is different from the ones that came before. The announcement notes he’s a stand-up comic, worked as a concert photographer for Prince, won the Mr. Prairie View A&M pageant, and created “Grits and Biscuits,” a Southern hip-hop dance party that tours the country.
It’s not just the résumé that’s being celebrated. The show points to his voice, calling it “deeply resonant” and saying it “warms up your radio.”
Peter Sagal. the host. framed the change in terms listeners will likely recognize immediately from their own experience of the show. “If Bill Kurtis has the voice of the Dad you always wished you had. Alzo’s is the voice of the friend you always wanted. He’s funny. he’s kind. he’s ridiculously smart. and knows just how to cut you down to size when you need it — or at least. when I need it.”.
To mark the moment, the show says it has invited a caller into the studio with Alzo and Peter to play a game centered on Slade’s life. “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” ends its announcement by asking listeners to welcome Alzo and to give him a listen this weekend.
Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me Alzo Slade Bill Kurtis judge and scorekeeper Peter Sagal Carl Kasell NPR Austin Texas Peabody Emmys