United Kingdom, Feb. 19 -- Conan O'Brien doesn't "want to let America down" at the Oscars.

The 61-year-old star is set to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, and Conan is determined to "lift people up" during the ceremony.

He told PEOPLE: "It's a celebration of an entire industry and people from every walk of life who give their blood, sweat and tears for showbusiness."

Conan has admitted to being inspired by previous Oscars hosts, including Johnny Carson and Bob Hope.

The TV star shared: "I thought about when I was a kid watching the Oscars, and I was very interested in watching Johnny Carson host and I think I saw Bob Hope early on. My gut reaction, which I usually go with, was, 'Yes, let's do this thing!'"

Conan has also reac...