Katie Couric, who was dubbed “America’s Sweeheart”, said in a recent interview that now is the perfect time to start her new project, a daytime talk show, because she finished “CBS Evening News” with a year-long vacation, and because Oprah’s departure left a perfect opening for her. And while she says it’s been a longtime dream to host her own daytime show, there are other things she’d like to accomplish, as well.

“I would like to star in a Broadway musical, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen. Because when I auditioned for my high school musical they cast me as a deaf mute! … and I would like to go out with George Clooney, if we can arrange that,” she said.

On a more serious note, Couric has acknowledged that she came into the game a little late–and will go up against some veterans with the show’s premiere as Ricki Lake, Jeff Probst and Steve Harvey all launch their own shows on the same day. But she’s counting on the quirky, perky personality that made her America’s golden girl to ease her into the new job.

“Obviously there is a need to re-familiarize myself and who I am in terms of being natural, spontaneous, interactive and a more casual, less formal journalist. When I did the ‘CBS Evening News’ I didn’t have that opportunity to show both sides of myself,” Couric said.

“Katie” premieres on September 10th and will focus on topics aimed mostly at women; she says she looks forward to having a “richer experience than just a three-minute interview”.