TWO-TIME GRAMMY(R) AWARD WINNER AND "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" STAR LL COOL J TO HOST "THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS(R)," ON SUNDAY, FEB. 12 ON CBS

Rapper/Actor Will Be the First Host in Seven Years of the Music Industry's Premier Event Music's Biggest Night(R) Airs Live on CBS

Two-time GRAMMY(R) Award winner and NCIS: LOS ANGELES star LL COOL J is set to host THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY(R) AWARDS, marking the first time in seven years that the music industry's premier event will have an official host. Music's Biggest Night(R) takes place live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of music's biggest night," says LL COOL J. "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. Great performances and great music - it's going to be a great night," he added.

LL COOL J has hosted THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT(R) since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast. Past hosts include Queen Latifah at THE 47th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS and Jon Stewart for THE 43th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS and THE 44th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS broadcasts. Over the years, other GRAMMY hosts have included Billy Crystal, Ellen Degeneres and Rosie O'Donnell, among others.

LL COOL J joins previously announced performers and current GRAMMY nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Aldean and Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY broadcast for the first time, while Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Mars and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy 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, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue and Instagram.