James Corden Will Host 59th Annual Grammy Awards

The music world’s biggest night will be presented in Los Angeles in February.

CBS and The Recording Academy announced November 22 that Tony winner (and former Tony host) James Corden will host The 59th Annual Grammy Awards, marking his first year as master of ceremonies for the music world's biggest night.

The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles February 12, 2017, beginning at 8 PM on CBS.

“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 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.”

“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 Corden.

“James Corden’s remarkable range of talents makes him a star on any screen and every stage,” stated 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.”

Since Corden took the helm of The Late Late Show in March 2015, the show won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Program, achieved its highest ratings since the show’s inception in 1995, and has become known for Corden’s groundbreaking videos and sketches, including “Carpool Karaoke.” Corden came to American late-night television with a growing list of award-winning 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 for the U.K. television series Gavin and Stacy, which he co-created and co-wrote. In 2016, Corden hosted The 70th Annual Tony Awards, which had its largest audience in 15 years. He was also seen in the film of Into the Woods.

The Grammy Awards will be produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is the director, Ben Winston is a producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.

Corden discusses hosting the Tony Awards below:

