George Glams Up Gemini Awards

(andPOP) - CBC’s golden boy George Stroumboulopoulos is bringing some Canadian star power to the 22nd Annual Gemini Awards. The first time host has enlisted the help of homegrown Hollywood celebs like Sarah Chalke (Scrubs), Men In Trees hottie James Tupper and Howie Mandel to liven up this year’s festivities.

Hoping to steer clear of its usual tag as an exclusive industry insider snoozefest, the live show will now be open to a public audience.

And, in another first for the show, viewers can vote online for their favourite Canadian TV star not up for a Gemini. The Viewers' Choice Award nominees include Mandel, Keifer Sutherland, Evangeline Lilly, Sandra Oh, William Shatner and Kristine Kreuk.

Stroumboulopoulos hopes the changes will make this year’s event unique and exciting.

CBC producer Steve Sloan says viewers can look forward to "tons of star power, great comedy and definitely a few surprises.”

Tonight’s gala celebrating the best in Canadian English-language television will also feature appearances by former 90210 stars Jason Priestley and Kathleen Robertson.