Neil Patrick Harris Tapped to Host Emmy Awards

Following his well-received gig as host of the Tony Awards in New York earlier this year, actor Neil Patrick Harris has been booked as the host of the upcoming 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences made the official announcement today, confirming speculation that the onetime Doogie Howser, MD wunderkind and current How I Met Your Mother star, will be the telecast's emcee. Viewers and attendees can expect the unexpected from the versatile performer. Said Harris of the impending hosting duties: "I'm looking forward to the challenge of the show — adding my own voice to it, while honoring the nominees and the entire year in television. But which voice to choose? I'm torn between gangsta, foppish Brit, and robot. Really proud of my robot. We'll see what happens on the night." Emmy noms will be announced Thursday; the show is September 20th at the Nokia Theatre.