The Primetime Emmy Awards Sneak Peak

Earlier this week, we gave you our predictions for which shows, actors and actresses we think will walk home with a trophy on their arm this Sunday night (and we don't mean the eye candy variety) at the Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be broadcast on CBS from 8-11 PM; (Live ET/delayed PT).  Well, just in time for the big night, we've got the inside scoop on what we'll be seeing at the show, since we had the chance to talk with Jack Sussman, the Executive Vice President of Specials and Live Events at CBS who has been backstage all week at rehearsals!

Sussman says you won't want to miss the start of the show at 8 pm when host Neil Patrick Harris takes center stage.  Harris, who is nominated this year for best supporting actor in a comedy ("How I Met Your Mother") and received rave reviews this summer after hosting the Tony Awards on CBS, is also a producer of this year's 61st Annual Awards telecast.  "I think a lot of the show will be driven by Neil," says Sussman, who adds that Harris "rolled up his sleeves and has taken his role in the show very seriously."  

"Neil's personality as host will be infectious," Sussman continues.  "He will be permeated throughout the show and he'll be a true presence from the opening right until the end."  That means, you should be on the lookout for musical performances and lots of great comedy.  "Neil will appear as if he's a true host of a party," Sussman adds.

So what can we expect at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards?  Well, there's lots of exciting things to report including the chance for one lucky person to win the best seat in the house.  CBS.com and TV.com recently hosted a contest looking for TV's number one fan - encouraging viewers to send in videos of why they should be considered for the coveted spot.  And on September 18, the winner will be announced, they'll be flown to Los Angeles, given the red carpet treatment and will then get the chance to not only watch the show live, but to actually sit next some of the biggest TV stars on the planet!  (Note to self: Next year send in video while watching TV and blogging from the couch).

TV fans will also get the chance to vote for their favorite "Breakthrough Performances of the Year" by casting their votes on TV.com.  The top three most talked about water-cooler moments will be revealed during the show and the winner will be announced at the end the telecast. "We want to give fans the opportunity to voice their thoughts on the events and personalities that defined the 2008-2009 season and have their votes play a direct role in shaping party of the Emmy telecast," says Sussman.

And now for the fun stuff.  Want to know who's presenting awards during the show?  Well, we're happy to report that some of our favorite celebrity moms including Tina Fey, Chandra Wilson, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Kyra Sedgwick and Patricia Arquette will be waltzing out on stage in what I hope are some gorgeous dresses - because really ladies, don't we all just want to see their outfits and how they decided to wear their hair? Sexy married celebrity couple and Emmy nominees Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon will also be presenting an award together.   And, if you're keeping score of which of my favorite 80's stars will be taking the stage to present, well Jon Cryer, Rob Lowe, Kiefer Sutherland and Michael J. Fox (love him!) will all be there too.  Heaven on a hi-def flat screen!

So there you have it - a fabulous host, incredible presenters, performances galore (ooh - forgot to mention that there will even be a "Dancing with the Stars" performance during the show), and the chance for a lucky television viewer to be treated to the experience of a lifetime.  And trust me, when you get the chance to sit at an event with a bazillion TV stars, it's pretty surreal.  I'm sure the first thing they'll be thinking is - wow - these people should go eat a sandwich...they're all so thin!   

But I digress...can't wait to tune into the Primetime Emmys this Sunday and yours truly will be even throwing a red carpet ready home party for some of my closest gal pals compliments of Suave.  So while we watch all our favorite stars glam it up for the cameras, we'll be re-creating some of their looks at home! I'll be tweeting when my favorites win during the telecast (I'm @rolemommy if you're on Twitter) and for up-to-the-minute coverage of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on CBS, visit TV.com.