Two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Common, hip-hop innovator Grandmaster Flash, GRAMMY winner Lupe Fiasco, two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J, GRAMMY-winning hip-hop artist Melle Mel, rap star Rick Ross and rapper Scorpio will join together for a special performance of “The Message,” on THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! — COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT®.  The special will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Wednesday, Nov. 30 (10:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.  “The Message” is the seminal rap recording by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five featuring Melle Mel and Duke Bootee, which was recently inducted into the 2012 GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson and actor Taylor Lautner are the latest presenters added to the one-hour special. Â Previously announced performers are Jason Aldean, Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rihanna, Valerie Simpson, Mike Stoller, Sugarland, The Band Perry and Usher. Previously announced presenters are Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, and LL COOL J is once again set to host.
In addition to unveiling nominations for the 54th GRAMMY Awards, THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! will feature a special live announcement from an iconic group regarding their historic band reunion set to take place on the GRAMMY stage on Feb. 12, 2012.
The show will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees. Â This marks the fourth consecutive year that nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced live on primetime television, setting the stage for the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.
Following the one-hour live broadcast, guests will experience an exclusive concert by The Band Perry. Tickets for THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! — COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT are on sale now and are available online at www.nokiatheatrelalive.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at 800-745-3000.
For discounts on groups of 10 or more, and for more information on VIP packages, visit www.aegtickets.com or call 877-234-8425.  A portion of the proceeds from this very special evening will benefit the GRAMMY Museum®.
The road to Music’s Biggest Night begins with THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! and culminates with THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles live on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! — COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC.  Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer.  LL COOL J is a producer.
About The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy® is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.