LL Cool J can't wait to witness "special moments" at the Grammy Awards.

The 44-year-old hip-hop icon will host this year's awards show.

LL is honoured to have been chosen at the presenter and is eager to take part in the event.

"It's about the great performances and those great moments," LL told ET Online. "I think the thing that makes the Grammys amazing are those special moments."

LL does not want to take over the stage. The star is intent on highlighting the talents of the nominees and performers of the night.

"[I want to] let the performers and artists speak for themselves," LL said. "Because the show is not about me, it's about the Grammys and about the artists that are nominated, so I just want to have fun, just have a good time."

LL is the first Grammy Awards presenter in seven years.

Performers will include current Grammy nominees Taylor Swift, Foo Fighters, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Coldplay.

The 54th Grammy Awards will air on Sunday February 12.