It’s a repeat performance for LL Cool J as the host of Sunday’s 55th Grammy Awards (CBS, 8 ET/PT). We checked in with the two-time Grammy winner, who’s also the co-star of one of TV’s top-rated shows, NCIS: Los Angeles.
On the 2012 Grammys: “Last year was some very tough circumstances. [Whitney Houston died the day before.] It’s hard to say it went right when it hinged on such a tragic event. We got through it.”
On his new album: “It’s authentic hip-hop. It’s just me making music from the heart and really artistically truthful to what I am.” On awards-show fashion: “I always have a hand in anything I put on. I’m always involved. You may not catch me at the mall all day long— it’s not like I have to put on gowns and rhinestones and pick earrings.”
On winning his first Grammy in 1992: “Unbelievable. It was like a shot of adrenaline directly to the heart. It was an amazing feeling.”
On his pre-show rituals: “I always pray before I go on. Nothing beyond that. Just keep it simple. Pray and go out and do my job.”
Contributing: Gayle Jo Carter, Nancy Mills, Brian Truitt
