Conan O'Brien to headline White House correspondents dinner

Conan O'Brien is taking his talents to D.C.

The Emmy award-winning late-night host and comedian was announced Wednesday as the headliner for the White House Correspondents Association dinner in April.

Association president Ed Henry said he's "thrilled" that O'Brien accepted the invite.

"Conan is one of television's most innovative and influential talents and I am absolutely thrilled that he has agreed to be this year's featured act," said Henry, who is also Fox News' White House correspondent. "As social media has changed all aspects of the media business, Conan has embraced this shifting landscape to become a creative force both online as well as in the traditional television model."

The comedian's appearance at the April 27 dinner marks a long-awaited return to the capital.

He performed at the 1995 correspondents dinner, just when he was beginning his 16-year run as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."

His career took several sharp turns as he transitioned out of "Late Night." He briefly took over "The Tonight Show," but later gave the slot back to Jay Leno and ultimately launched a new show, "Conan," on TBS.

Proceeds from the dinner help fund more than $100,000 in scholarships. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will also attend, as they have in prior years.

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