5 reasons Neil Patrick Harris will shine at the Oscars

Neil Patrick Harris can sing, dance andact, and now he can cross"host the Oscars" off his bucket list this February when he takes to the stage for the 87thedition of the Academy Awards.

• Neil Patrick Harris to host 2015 Academy Awards
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The multi-talented 41-year-old actor is no stranger to the MC's microphone. He's hosted Broadway's Tony Awards four times, and TV's Primetime Emmy Awards twice and each appearance featured a number of his killer song and dance routines. Wednesday'sannouncement that Harris would host Hollywood's biggest night was met with many asking"what took them so long?"

For the uninitiated, here are fivereasons Oscar audiences can expect a stellar show.

1.He's the quintessential triple threat

Neil Patrick Harriscan sing and dance his heart out for eight minutes straight without missing a beat, or losing his breath. Harris flipped, jumped and cracked jokes through the elaborate opening number for the 2013 Tony Awardsachieving a lengthystanding ovation from thetalented audience members.

• On mobile?Watch Harris's 2013 Tony Awards opening number here

2. He's not afraid to poke fun at himself

Harris's duelling host duet withHughJackmanat the 2011Tony Awardsis evidence of Harris's greatness and his comedic chops. The four-minute set included a dance-off with the Australian triple threat and a lyrical admission by Harris that he's a serial MC:"Dont tell me not to host. I simply gotta! Bar mitzvah or a roast its me not-cha!"

• On mobile? Watch Harris's duel with HughJackmanat the 2011Tonys here

3. He can do it upside down, and in heels

Harris, who recently finisheda Tony-winning run on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, has won multiple Emmys for his awards-show broadcasts and why wouldn't he?How many male hosts can you namewho can wriggle in stilettos and dangle over the stage like Spider-Man, but ina fine-fitting suit.

4. He's wowed the Oscars before

Neil Patrick Harris dazzled Hollywood with his Broadway chops at the2010 Oscars. He opened the show with one ofhis signature musical numbers,complete with glitteringshowgirls and his scene-stealing acerbic wit.

• On mobile? Watch the opening number from the 2010 Oscars here

5. He knows how to close a show

Not only is Harris a smooth dancer, he's also quick on his feet. The funnyman capped his stellar hosting duties at the 2011 Tonysby rapping a recap of the night's eventsas the credits rolled. The lyrics were written as the show happenedand Harris fearlessly delivered themcold, closing the night with this zinger:

"This aint reality TV, this is eight shows a week
Every chorus member that you saw tonight tappin
Had to make miracles happen
For a chance to see you clappin
And applauding in the audience. Whats next? Who knows?
Anything goes. Now go see a motherf--kingBroadway show."

• On mobile? Watch Harris rapping at the 2011Tonys here

Judging by his past performances, it looks like television audiences are in for a treat when Harris grabs the mic at the87th Academy Awards onFeb. 22.