LL Cool J to host Grammys

After seven years with a no-host format, the Grammys will have an emceeLL Cool J.

The Grammy-winning rapper and actor says the Feb. 12 broadcast is "gonna be a great night" and says his hosting duties are a dream come true.

While it will be LL Cool J's first time hosting the Grammys, hehas hosted the live Grammy nominations concert since it began in 2008.

The rap legend, who had hits such as I Need Love, Doin' Itand Mama Said Knock You Out,is a star on the network's NCIS: Los Angeles.

The Recording Academy seems to have a thing for rappers-turned-actors. The last host of the Grammys was Queen Latifah.

The academy has already named some performers, including the Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Jason Aldean. On Wednesday, a fewmore high-profile additions were unveiled: Paul McCartney, who will be honoured during Grammy week as the MusiCares person of the year, and nominees Rihanna and Coldplay, whowill perform a duet.

Rihanna tweeted the news to her followers Wednesday night, calling it "BONKERS."

The Grammys will be broadcast on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.