James Corden Ends LL Cool J's 5-Year Reign as Grammy Host

SANTA MONICA, CA -- James Corden was named Tuesday the host of the 59th annual Grammy Awards, ending the five-year hosting run of LL Cool J.

Corden, host of "The Late Late Show with James Corden," will lead "Music's Biggest Night" on Feb. 12 at Staples Center.

"I am truly honored to be hosting the Grammys next year," Corden said. "It's the biggest, most prestigious award show in music and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such an incredible night."

Neil Portnow, president/CEO of the Santa Monica-based Recording Academy, pointed to Corden's passion for music, as evidenced in his popular "Carpool Karaoke" segments that have paired him with some of the industry's biggest names.

"He's got big shoes to fill after the magnificent run we had with LL Cool J, but James is a commanding, dynamic showman who is perfect to host the Grammy Awards," Portnow said.

Corden hosted the Tony Awards earlier this year, and has hosted England's Brit Awards four times. The late-night television host is a previous Tony winner, winning for lead actor in a play for "One Man, Two Guvnors."

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of CBS Television