LL Cool J tapped as Grammys first host in seven years

By: Lauren Moraski
Topics: Music

Host LL Cool J poses in the press room during the Grammy Nominations Concert Live at on Dec. 1, 2010, in Los Angeles.

(Credit: Getty)

(CBS) When CBS broadcasts the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, the show will look and feel a little different. There's going to be a host for the first time in seven years.

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LL Cool J has been tapped to host the 54th annual awards show from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

"I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true," said LL Cool J. "Great performances and great music -- it's gonna be a great night!"

LL Cool J, 44, has been down the Grammy road before; he has emceed "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! -- Countdown to Music's Biggest Night" since 2008.

The rapper will be joined by a star-studded bill of musical artists, which so far includes Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. More performers and presenters will be announced soon.

Previous Grammy Awards hosts have included Jon Stewart, Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell.

Tell us: Do you think LL is a good choice, or should the Grammys have gone without a host again?