Retiring host Bob Barker up for possible 18th Daytime Emmy

NEW YORK — Soon-to-retire game-show host Bob Barker has a chance to win his 18th Daytime Emmy.

He received a nomination Wednesday, while the CBS soap opera "Guiding Light" captured a leading 17. Another CBS soap, "As the World Turns," got 16.

New "Today" show host Meredith Vieira was nominated for hosting "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Barker, 83, will step down as host of CBS' "The Price is Right" in June. Besides Vieira, the sentimental favorite will be competing for the best-game-show-host trophy against Alex Trebek of "Jeopardy!," Pat Sajak of "Wheel of Fortune" and Ben Bailey of Discovery's "Cash Cab."

"Sesame Street," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Young and the Restless" each got 12 nominations.

Two "Guiding Light" cast members, Crystal Chappell and Kim Zimmer, will compete for best actress. Other nominees: Jeanne Cooper and Michelle Stafford, both of CBS' "The Young and the Restless," and Maura West of "As the World Turns."

With Peter Bergman and Christian LeBlanc, "The Young and the Restless" also had two nominees for best actor. Also in the running: Michael Park of "As the World Turns," Anthony Geary of ABC's "General Hospital" and Ricky Paull Goldin of "Guiding Light."

Rosie O'Donnell, who previously won six Daytime Emmys for best talk-show host, has the chance to return to the winner's circle again for "The View."

Other talk-show-host nominees: Dr. Phil McGraw, DeGeneres, Rachael Ray, Tyra Banks, and Lisa Rinna and Ty Treadway of "Soap Talk."

The Daytime Emmys ceremony will be telecast June 15 on CBS.