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 three-time GRAMMY-winner Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Lisa Marie Presley, and Charlie Sheen.
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 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).
The Recording Academy also announced the all-star lineup of talent for the GRAMMY Pre-Telecast, including co-hosts Ananda Lewis and Steve Vai, and 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 perform live throughout the Pre-Telecast ceremonies with her 12-piece band. 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
As previously announced, the GRAMMY 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 download the live performance of the song from iTunes Music Store for $.99, and CBS.com 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. Artists Bono, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Slash, Velvet Revolver, Tim McGraw, Brian Wilson, and Stevie Wonder will perform.
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; and a salute to Southern rock with Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dickey Betts, Elvin Bishop, and Keith Urban. Previously announced presenters include Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres, Hoobastank, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, Ludacris, Mark McGrath, Christina Milian, Gary Sinise, John Travolta, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
