SANTA MONICA, CA. (Recording Academy) - For the first time in the history of the GRAMMY Awards, five nominated artists — the
Black Eyed Peas,
Gwen Stefani (who will perform with Eve), Los Lonely Boys, Maroon5 and
Franz Ferdinand — will open the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards by appearing together in one amazing performance across three stages, it was announced today by The Recording Academy.
In addition, GRAMMY-winning R&B superstar Usher, who is nominated for eight GRAMMY Awards, will perform. Newly announced presenters include Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Lisa Marie Presley, and Charlie Sheen. Hosted by
Queen Latifah, the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). Previously announced performers include
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Green Day, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, and U2, along with special segments with
Kanye West featuring John Legend, Mavis Staples, and the
Blind Boys Of Alabama; a tribute to
Ray Charles featuring
Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston; a salute to Southern rock with Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dickey Betts, Elvin Bishop, and Keith Urban; and a special musical fundraising segment to raise funds for continued tsunami relief efforts, which features Bono, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Slash,
Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw, and Brian Wilson.
The GRAMMY Pre-Telecast — during which awards for many of the GRAMMYs' 107 categories are presented — will take place in the Los Angeles Convention Center prior to the show and boasts an all-star lineup of talent, including co-hosts Ananda Lewis and Steve Vai; presenters Jars Of Clay, Richard Kaufman, Keb' Mo', Cyndi Lauper, JD Natasha (also an honorary member of the What's The Download Interactive Board), Jamie O'Neal, Jill Scott, and Jon Secada. GRAMMY-nominated artists Black Eagle and Jamie Cullum will perform. Black Eagle is nominated for Best Native American Music Album (Straight Up Northern). Jamie Cullum is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album (Twentysomething). Patrice Rushen , musical director for the 47th GRAMMY telecast, will also be performing live throughout the Pre-Telecast ceremonies with her 12-piece band.
As noted above, the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani (together with Eve), Los Lonely Boys, Maroon5 and Franz Ferdinand will perform together to kick off the 47th Annual GRAMMY telecast. The Black Eyed Peas currently hold nominations for Record Of The Year and Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group ("Let's Get It Started"). Three-time GRAMMY-winner Gwen Stefani holds two nominations: Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as a solo artist ("What You Waiting For?") and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal as part of No Doubt ("It's My Life"). Los Lonely Boys has four nominations: Best New Artist, Record Of The Year and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal ("Heaven"), and Best Rock Instrumental Performance ("Onda"). Maroon5 is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal ("She Will Be Loved"). Franz Ferdinand holds three nominations: Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal and Best Short Form Video ("Take Me Out") and Best Alternative Music Album (Franz Ferdinand).
Two-time GRAMMY-winning artist Usher also will perform. He has eight current nominations: Record Of The Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Yeah!" with Lil' Jon and Ludacris), Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary R&B Album (Confessions), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song ("Burn"), and Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best R&B Song ("My Boo" with Alicia Keys).
Three-time GRAMMY-winner Kris Kristofferson will appear as a presenter along with actor Matthew McConaughey; recording artist Lisa Marie Presley; and the star of the CBS hit "Two And A Half Men" Charlie Sheen. These celebrities join a list of previously announced presenters that includes Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres, Hoobastank, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, Ludacris, Mark McGrath, Christina Milian, Gary Sinise, John Travolta, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
As previously announced, the telecast will feature a special fund-raising musical performance of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Across The Universe" on behalf of continued tsunami relief efforts. Viewers will be able to go directly to the iTunes Music Store to gain access to a download of the live performance of "Across The Universe" for $.99, and to CBS.com, which will offer exclusive video of the segment. All proceeds from downloads of the track will go to tsunami relief efforts benefiting survivors and their families. Special fund-raising musical segment participants will be donating their time and talents during the performance. Artists participating include Bono, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Slash, Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw, and Brian Wilson.
The telecast will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio via Westwood One worldwide, and covered online at GRAMMY.com.
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.
