Michael Buckley on Live!: 'My Entire Life I've Been Waiting for This Moment'

All of central Connecticut is pulling for its hometown comedic hero as he vyes for the chance to co-host Live! With Kelly all this week. Competing against four other contestants, the vivacious You-Tube sensation from Meriden, 31, "hopped on stage sporting his signature glasses, a suit and pink-striped tie," Monday, according to a story in the Record-Journal.

Today’s challenge, “The Gift of Gab,” the R-J reported, had finalists explain why they deserve to co-host the show as part of a Coast-to-Coast Co-Host Search — to a full-size cardboard cutout of Kelly Ripa in a salmon-colored dress with a frilly hem.

He told the audience he'd been waiting his whole life for the chance to host a live television show.

Each member of the studio audience voted for his or her four favorites, the Hartford Courant reports. To vote for Bulkley, go to livewithkelly.tv through midnight on Monday.