Not Only Ladies Love Cool James, But Grammys Does As Well

SANTA MONICA, CA - Actor-rapper LL Cool J will host the 58th Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 15 next year, marking his 5th straight turn as Grammy host, the Recording Academy announced Wednesday.

“We are delighted to welcome back the very talented LL Cool J as our host for the 58th Grammys,” said Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow in a statement. “His unique expertise, both as a Grammy-winning recording artist and accomplished actor, allows him to connect with both his musical peers and the fans at home, and his dynamic personality and charismatic energy set the perfect tone for our show.”

The entertainer, a two-time Grammy winner, he said is “honored once again to host Music’s Biggest Night as we celebrate the talented music creators of today.

“It’s going to be an incredible night and I’m excited to share this experience with the world,” said LL Cool J, who portrays Special Agent Sam Hanna on the CBS series “NCIS: Los Angeles.”

Earlier this month, hip-hop artist and Compton native Kendrick Lamar earned a leading 11 nominations for the 58th annual Grammy Awards while Taylor Swift and The Weeknd each received seven nods.

All three were nominated for the coveted Album of the Year prize -- Lamar for “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Swift for “1989” and The Weeknd for “Beauty Behind the Madness.” Also nominated were Alabama Shakes for “Sound & Color” and Chris Stapleton for “Traveller.”

The awards presentation will be aired on CBS.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of Spike TV/Viacom