SANTA MONICA, CA. (The Recording Academy) - GRAMMY-winning recording artist
Queen Latifah has been named host of the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards, it was announced today by The Recording Academy. In addition to acting as host for the world's premier music event, Latifah - who also is a current nominee -- will perform on the show. The 47th Annual GRAMMYs will originate from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
"Queen Latifah is an extraordinary Renaissance artist with unparalleled style and substance, and her passion, talent and personality make her an excellent choice as host for our show," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. "We are delighted to have Queen Latifah as the host of the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards."
A seminal hip-hop artist, Queen Latifah also is one of music's most respected rappers. Her groundbreaking 1989 debut "All Hail The Queen" set the standard for female rappers, and paved the way for future women in hip-hop to make their way onto the charts. On her first vocal album, "The Dana Owens Album," Queen Latifah demonstrates that her vocal talent is equally impressive. A collection of timeless classics that includes soul, blues and pop songs from every decade between 1920 and 1970, the album has earned critical acclaim as well as a current Best Jazz Vocal Album GRAMMY nomination.
An accomplished television and film actress, Queen Latifah's standout performance in the recent film adaptation of "Chicago" earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe nomination, and a SAG Award nomination.
Following "Chicago," Latifah starred in Disney's box office hit "Bringing Down The House," on which she also acted as executive producer. Latifah will continue to appear on the big screen with starring roles in "Beauty Shop" (which she will produce), and is currently filming the romantic comedy "Last Holiday in Prague" with famed director Wayne Wang.
The 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Cossette Productions for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, Tzvi Small is executive in charge of production, and Anthea Bhargava is associate producer.
