British comedian and TV personality James Corden will host the 59th annual Grammy Awards, which will take place Sunday, February 12, 2017 and broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on TV network CBS.
Multiple-time BRIT Awards host Corden, who is hosting CBS' programme The Late Late Show With James Corden, takes over the master of ceremony mantle from LL Cool J who hosted the show for the past five years.
"I am truly honoured to be hosting the Grammys next year," said Corden. "It's the biggest, most prestigious award show in music and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such an incredible night."
"Thanks to Carpool Karaoke, we've all been on some incredible rides with James, and The Recording Academy couldn't be more excited to welcome his passion and enthusiasm for music, both as an entertainer and a fan, to the Grammy stage on February 12," said Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow. "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."
Added Jack Sussman, executive vice president, specials, music and live events, CBS Entertainment: "James Corden's remarkable range of talents make him a star on any screen and every stage. We see it every night on CBS, every day on YouTube and audiences are still talking about his acclaimed performance hosting the Tony's last June."
Sussman paid tribute to rapper turned actor and TV personality LL Cool J. "Everyone involved with the Grammys tips their hats with gratitude and respect to LL Cool J for an outstanding five years as host," said Sussman. "LL was a dynamic host who guided our broadcast to great success with charisma, gravitas and poignancy when the moment called for it. His contributions - both on-air and behind-the-scenes as our valued collaborator - will be long remembered and always appreciated."
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.
Music Week's recent interview with Fulwell 73, the production team behind Carpool Karaoke, can be accessed here.
