‘Saturday Night Live’ standout Cecily Strong to be featured at White House Correspondents Dinner

How about this for some surprising news today? After going with more traditional comics over the past few years, the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2015 will feature none other than “Saturday Night Live” cast member Cecily Strong.

Don’t get us wrong: This is a surprise that we are very excited about. It’s good for the White House Correspondents’ Association to highlight a variety of different performers, and Cecily’s talents and background seem perfect for this gig. Her father was at one point an Associated Press Bureau Chief, so she is probably much more familiar with the world of political journalism than almost any other comic-turned-host in recent memory.

In a statement confirming the news today, WHCA President Christi Parsons had the following to say:

“Her political humor is sly and edgy, and it comes with a Chicago accent. Cecily grew up in suburban Oak Park, Ill. and got her start in Chicago’s comedy scene with stints at iO and Second City.”

We’re not entirely sure why her Chicago ties really matter, but she is one of many people with “SNL” ties to take part in this event. Her fellow former “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers was one of the best performers at the dinner in recent memory, though nothing will ever match to us the sheer awkwardness of watching Stephen Colbert completely roast the entire institution years ago. It was one of those occasions where nobody in the room seemed to understand what was happening, but everyone else was rolling on the floor.

What do you think about Strong’s selection to the dinner, and do you think this will make for a great show this spring? Share with a comment, and to read up on this past edition of “Saturday Night Live,” you can do so over at the link here. Also, sign up now to get some other great TV scoop on all we cover via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via NBC.)