Grammy nominations special in the works

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Nominations for the "51st annual Grammy Awards" are to be announced for the first time as part of a prime time special taped in Los Angeles, CBS said.

"The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! -- Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," in which nominations will be announced in at least six categories, is to be shot at the NOKIA Theatre Dec. 3. It will air live on CBS and feature musical performances by past Grammy winners, the network said.

The "51st annual Grammy Awards" presentation is slated to take place Feb. 8. Presenters and performers will be announced at a later date, CBS said.

"With this ('Nominations') 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," Ken Ehrlich, co-executive producer of the Grammy Awards, said in a statement. "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, jump-starting the road to music's biggest night, the annual Grammy Awards in February," added Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials, music and live events at CBS.