James Corden to Host Grammy Awards

The 'Late Late Show' host replaces longtime emcee LL Cool J.

James Corden will host the 2017 Grammy Awards, CBS announced Tuesday.

The Late Late Show host succeeds LL Cool J, who emceed the past five editions of the music awards show.

The Tony-winning Corden has regularly showcased his musical fluency on CBS' The Late Late Show, singing and dancing with his guests and taking various musicians on "Carpool Karaoke" rides.

“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,” Recording Academy president CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. “He’s got big shoes to fill after the magnificent run we had with LL Cool J, but James Corden is a commanding, dynamic showman who, we believe, is perfect to host the Grammy Awards.”

Added Corden: "I am truly honored to be hosting the Grammys next year. It's the biggest, most prestigious award show in music, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such an incredible night."

Added Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich: “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. 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.”

Said Jack Sussman, CBS' executive vp, specials, music and live events, "James Corden’s remarkable range of talents makes 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 Tonys 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, 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.”

Corden, who has hosted The Late Late Show since March 2015, previously hosted the Tony Awards in June, also on CBS, which had its largest audience in 15 years. He also has hosted England's Brit Awards four times. His Late Late Show won an Emmy this year for outstanding interactive program, and its "Carpool Karaoke" primetime special won an Emmy for outstanding variety special. "Carpool Karaoke" has set YouTube records, with nearly 2 billion views and more than 8 million subscribers for the show's YouTube channel.

The 59th annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles' Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS. Nominees will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 6. The show is being produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy, with Ehrlich as executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz as director, Ben Winston as producer and David Wild and Ehrlich as writers.