Two-time GRAMMY winner Common, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, GRAMMY winner Lupe Fiasco, and rapper Rick Ross will join hip-hop innovator Grandmaster Flash, GRAMMY-winning hip-hop artist Melle Mel and rapper Scorpio for a special performance of "The Message" — the seminal recording by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five featuring Melle Mel and Duke Bootee newly inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame — on "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night." Actors Taraji P. Henson and Taylor Lautner are the latest presenters added to the one-hour special, which takes place live on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
The show, which will also announce nominees in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees, will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 10–11 p.m. ET/PT.
Previously announced performers are Jason Aldean, Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rihanna, Valerie Simpson, Mike Stoller, Sugarland, the Band Perry, and Usher. Previously announced presenters are Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry. LL Cool J is once again set to host.
The concert special marks the fourth time nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television. In addition to unveiling nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!" will feature a special live announcement from a truly iconic group regarding their historic band reunion set to take place on the GRAMMY stage on Feb. 12, 2012.
This year, for the first time ever, music fans can check out backstage coverage and reactions to the nominations by logging on to www.grammy.com/livestream or www.livestream.com/thegrammys immediately following the live telecast (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT).
Following the one-hour live telecast, guests will enjoy an exclusive concert by the Band Perry. Tickets for "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" are on sale online and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at 800.745.3000. For discounts on groups of 10 or more, and for more information on VIP packages, visit www.aegtickets.com or call 877.234.8425. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the GRAMMY Museum.
The road to Music's Biggest Night begins with "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!!" and culminates with the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2012, and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer. LL Cool J is producer.
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