LL Cool J ‘thrilled’ about hosting Grammys

London: LL Cool J has been appointed to be the Grammy’s first official host in seven years.

LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, will follow in the footsteps of Ellen DeGeneres and Queen Latifah. In recent years, the position of ‘official’ host has been replaced by a string of guest presenters. “I’m thrilled to be part of music’s biggest night,” the BBC quoted him as saying. “I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show... is a dream come true,” he said. Performers at the ceremony have already been announced, and will include Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga - who will be opening and closing the show. The original line-up of the Beach Boys may also make an appearance, guitarist Al Jardine told Rolling Stone magazine. “There will be a surprise at the Grammys,” he said. “We’ll do something really exciting. There’s a lot of interest in it, which is nice. It’s going to be a very big operation,” he added. ANI