James Corden to Host 59th Annual Grammy Awards

Award-Winning Host and Performer James Corden of CBS' "The Late Late Show" to Host the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night® Airs Live On CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy® and CBS announced today that James Corden, the Emmy- and Tony Award-winning multi-faceted host of CBS' "The Late Late Show With James Corden," will host the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®, marking his first year as master of ceremonies for Music's Biggest Night®. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

    “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.”

"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 Feb. 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."

"I am truly honored 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."

"James Corden's remarkable range of talents makes him a star on any screen and every stage," said Jack Sussman, executive vice president, specials, music and live events, CBS Entertainment. "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. We look forward to bringing James' exceptional showmanship, infectious energy and his undeniable kinship with music to the GRAMMY stage. At the same time," continued Sussman, "everyone involved with the GRAMMYs® tips their hats with gratitude and respect to LL COOL J for an outstanding five years as host. 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."

"James Corden is a captivating host, and I have no doubt that his musical background, personal charm, and comedic instincts will resonate with our audience," said executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards Ken Ehrlich. "For the past five years, we've been fortunate to have had LL COOL J host our show, and I trust that James will bring the same professionalism and charisma to Music's Biggest Night."

Corden is an acclaimed host, performer, writer, and producer with accomplishments that span television, theater, film, and comedy. Since he took the helm of "The Late Late Show" in March 2015, the show has won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Program, achieved its highest ratings since the show's inception in 1995, and become known for groundbreaking videos and sketches, including the viral phenomenon, "Carpool Karaoke." The segment has featured music superstars Adele, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John, and Justin Bieber, among others, and set YouTube records, with nearly 2 billion views and more than 8 million subscribers. "The Late Late Show Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special" won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special.

Corden came to American late-night television with a growing list of award-winning and critically acclaimed credits, including a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his role in "One Man, Two Guvnors" on Broadway and a BAFTA Award for the U.K. television series "Gavin & Stacey," which he co-created and co-wrote. In 2016, Corden hosted the 70th Annual Tony Awards, which had its largest audience in 15 years. In addition, he has hosted England's Brit Awards four times.

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.


About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals 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 Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, like "Recording Academy / GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The Recording Academy’s social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.

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