Alicia Keys to host 2019 Grammy Awards
The Grammy award-winning singer is very excited!
Alicia Keys is about to have a full-circle moment at the Grammy Awards. Seventeen years after taking home the Grammy for Best New Artist, and taking home the prize in four other categories in 2002, the veteran singer is set to return to the prestigious stage once again. But, this time, as the master of ceremonies.
As confirmed on Tuesday (Jan. 15), Keys has been tapped to host the 61st annual Grammy Awards, which is set to air live on CBS on Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. ET. This year marks its return to the Staples Center, a year after taking place in New York City.
Keys shared the news through a short behind-the-scenes documentary by taking her fans on a journey from the moment she first got the call through the gig manifesting itself, as she explained the magnitude of the opportunity to her and Swizz Beatz’s kids.
“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I know what it feels like to be proud of the work that you’ve put in, and to be recognized for it,” Keys says in the clip. “I just feel grateful that I’m able to bring that light and that energy. This is a first – it’s a first, and it’s amazing, and I think it’s perfect timing. Honestly, I’m really excited. I feel really good about it because I feel like it’s the perfect opportunity for me to give the light back, lift people up, especially all the young women that are nominated.”
James Corden hosted the past two years, which marked a shift in the recording artist’s programming to recruit a musician to host.
“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy,” Keys added in a press release. “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 February 10!”
Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow also issued a statement commenting on the news. “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,” the CEO said.
Keys is only the fifth woman to ever host music’s biggest night. Over the years, Queen Latifah, Ellen DeGeneres and Whoopi Goldberg have each taken on the honor of hosting.
Take a look at Alicia Keys announcing the news in the short documentary below.