Bieber reportedly hosting revival of 'Punk'd'

Under the heading, "why not": Justin Bieber is expected to become host of a revived "Punk'd," perhaps as early as next year.

Under the answer to "why not": Because he's busy; is still at the height of his career; has more money than Ashton Kutcher (although maybe not); and, frankly, has better things to do with his life.

But multiple trade reports Tuesday said Bieber was in fact close to signing an agreement to host the ersatz "Candid Camera" MTV series, which left the air in 2007, after embarrassing a few dozen celebrities during its four-year run and bequeathing a word to the language that remains to this day.

Bieber's world (2.0) has been consumed with touring, and the role of a "Punk'd" host - when Kutcher was chief agent provocateur - involved a fair amount of behind-the-scenes work that often appeared on-camera. (Hey, it's not that easy humiliating Justin Timberlake.)

Which raises the question: How much of a pain in the butt does Bieber plan to be, assuming this does happen? And another question: Do fans really want to see him in this role? To partly answer that question, at least he's not joining a revival of "Jackass." No comments from any of the parties concerned, per news reports.