MacFarlane takes the reins

(NBCNC) - Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Steve Martin have all been hosts of the Oscars, but a rookie takes the reins Sunday night: Seth MacFarlane.

He's part of an effort to draw younger viewers to the show.

"That whole pressure to make it younger, hipper, funnier, puts you in a real risky spot," says Yahoo! Movies contributing editor Thelma Adams.

Enough to try a host who, until recently, was largely a behind the scenes talent writing, and providing voices for his politically incorrect TV series "Family Guy".

But double duty as the title voice and director on the smash comedy "Ted" along with a hosting stint on "Saturday Night Live" made MacFarlane a man in demand.

"He's taking a big risk, but I don't think he would have taken it if he didn't know he could do it," Adams says.

Expect to see a lot of music in the show.

Barbra Streisand is scheduled to perform, and there are musical tributes planned both to the 50 years of James Bond movies and movie musicals.

You'll see cast members from "Chicago" and "Dreamgirls", among others, reuniting on stage.