"THE GRAMMY(R) NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! -- COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT(R)," A NEW ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE DEC. 3 ON CBS

Primetime Special Will Announce Nominations For "THE 51ST ANNUAL GRAMMY� AWARDS" With Live Performances And Will Celebrate The Grand Opening Of The GRAMMY Museum At L.A. LIVE

Event To Take Place at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE In Downtown Los Angeles

THE GRAMMY� NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT�, a new entertainment special, will be broadcast live Wednesday, Dec. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

For the first time ever, nominations for the annual GRAMMY� Awards will be announced live on primetime television. Nominations will be announced in at least six categories, and the special will feature live musical performances by past GRAMMY winners, setting the stage for THE 51ST ANNUAL GRAMMY� AWARDS on Feb. 8, 2009. The special will also celebrate the grand opening of the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE and will be broadcast live from NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. Presenters and performers will be announced at a later date.

"Every year, millions of music fans and people around the world anticipate the announcement of our GRAMMY Nominations, anxious to learn which artists from every genre represent the highest levels of musical excellence," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The ability to showcase GRAMMY-winning artists combined with the nominations for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards represents a milestone for The Recording Academy as we begin the next decade of our important missions. And with the grand opening of the GRAMMY Museum - directly across from our Los Angeles home at STAPLES Center and now the NOKIA Theatre - we are proud to introduce the world to this extraordinary facility which will showcase our rich history, unique and classic GRAMMY moments, and the ongoing legacy exemplified by this very special evening of live music."

"With this special, we want to emphasize the stories behind great GRAMMY-winning artists and their music, and set the stage for nominees to thrill audiences at the annual GRAMMY telecast," said Ken Ehrlich, co-executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. "This event allows us to spotlight even more once-in-a-lifetime performances by great GRAMMY-winning artists in anticipation of the 51st GRAMMY Awards."

"This special will provide viewers a unique opportunity to witness a great live music event while enjoying the GRAMMY nominations, jumpstarting the road to Music's Biggest Night�, the annual GRAMMY Awards in February, " said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS.

Following the one-hour live telecast, guests will experience a one-hour exclusive concert by one of the evening's performers in celebration of the grand opening of the GRAMMY Museum. Tickets to "THE GRAMMY� NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT" will be available to the public and will go on sale on Mon., Oct. 27, at all Ticketmaster outlets, via phone at 213-480-3232, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

THE GRAMMY� NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! - COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC and John Cossette Productions. John Cossette and Ken Ehrlich are the executive producers.

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. In its 50th year, 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.