LL COOL J IS NAMED THE FIRST GRAMMYS HOST IN 7 YEARS

For the first time in seven years, the 2012 Grammy Awards will have an official host this year, and has asked two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J to do the honors.

The rapper, who turned 44 this week, has hosted the live Grammy nominations concert show each year since 2008. This is his first time taking the reins of the award show itself.


"I'm thrilled to be part of Music's Biggest Night," he said in a statement. "I will always have fond memories of my first Grammys Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true."

The 54th Grammy Awards, airing Feb. 12 on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will feature previously announced performers and current Grammy nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift.

Adele leads the pack with six nominations this year, and is a contender in all three major categories: album of the year; record of the year; and song of the year. -people