FIFTEEN-TIME GRAMMY(R) AWARD WINNER ALICIA KEYS TO HOST "THE 61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS(R)"

Music's Biggest Night(R) Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 10

CBS and the Recording Academy(TM) announced today that 15-time GRAMMY Award(R) winner Alicia Keys will host THE 61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, marking her first year as master of ceremonies for Music's Biggest Night(R). THE 61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS will be broadcast live from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles Sunday, Feb. 10 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/5:00-8:30 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I'm going to bring that vibe and energy," said Keys. "I'm so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power and magic. I'm especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year! It's going UP on Feb. 10!"

"A dynamic artist with the rare combination of groundbreaking talent and passion for her craft, Alicia Keys is the perfect choice as host for our show," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "Throughout her exciting career, I have watched her become a powerful force within the music industry and beyond. As an artist who speaks to the power of music for good, a role model, and a spokesperson for change, we are thrilled to have her on board for what's sure to be an unforgettable GRAMMY Awards."

"Alicia is one of those rare artists who melds true musical genius with heartfelt emotional lyrics to create a unique approach to everything she does. We have no doubt that she'll bring all of that as she guides millions of GRAMMY viewers through what we believe will be a very special show in February," said longtime GRAMMY Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich.

Alicia Keys is a modern-day Renaissance woman - a 15-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician/producer, an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, a film/television and Broadway producer, an entrepreneur and a powerful force in the world of activism. Since the release of her monumental 2001 debut album, Songs in A Minor, Keys has sold more than 30 million records and built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments.

THE 61ST ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is executive producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.

About the Recording Academy

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum(R), advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares(R), and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards - music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.