VALERIE SIMPSON AND MIKE STOLLER TO JOIN USHER IN A MOVING TRIBUTE TO SONGWRITERS, ON "THE GRAMMY(R) NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT(R)"

Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry Set to Present on One-Hour Entertainment Special That Will Announce Nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards(R) Live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Nov. 30

Valerie Simpson (of the hit songwriting/performing duo Ashford & Simpson) and Mike Stoller (of the GRAMMY(R)-winning songwriting team Leiber & Stoller) - both of whom lost their longtime songwriting partners this past year (Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber) - will join previously announced seven-time GRAMMY winner Usher in a moving tribute to songwriters on THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT(R). The special will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, Nov. 30 (10:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

R&B/rap star Nicki Minaj and pop singer/songwriter Katy Perry are the first presenters announced for the one-hour special. The show will also announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees.

Previously announced performers are country artist Jason Aldean, five-time GRAMMY winner Lady Gaga, three-time GRAMMY winner Ludacris, GRAMMY winner Lupe Fiasco, four-time GRAMMY winner Rihanna, GRAMMY-winning duo Sugarland and country music sensation The Band Perry. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J is once again set to host.

In addition to unveiling nominations for the 54th GRAMMY Awards, THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! will feature a special live announcement from an iconic group regarding their historic band reunion set to take place on the GRAMMY stage on Feb. 12, 2012.

The show will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees. This marks the fourth consecutive year that nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television, setting the stage for the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

Following the one-hour live broadcast, guests will experience an exclusive concert by The Band Perry. Tickets for THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT are on sale now and are available online at www.nokiatheatrelalive.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at 800-745-3000.

For discounts on groups of 10 or more, and for more information on VIP packages, visit www.aegtickets.com or call 877-234-8425. A portion of the proceeds from this very special evening will benefit the GRAMMY Museum(R).

The road to Music's Biggest Night begins with THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! and culminates with THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles live on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer. LL COOL J is a producer.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy(R) is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.