LL Cool J and Jennifer Lopez are taking center stage for the ninth edition of the iHeartRadio Music Awards. LL Cool J will be the host and Lopez will receive the iHeartRadio Icon Award, Variety is reporting Thursday.
The 2022 ceremony and awards show is scheduled for March 22 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium. Fox Entertainment and iHeart Media made the announcement Thursday.
LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 and achieved mainstream success as a hip-hop artist with his debut album, “Radio” in 1985. He has released 13 studio albums, won two Grammy awards and received Kennedy Center Honors in 2017. He is also scheduled to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
“It’s an honor to return to the stage as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards and bring live music back to fans all over the world as we celebrate our favorite artists,” LL Cool J said in a statement. “I have a special performance for the fans, and the show will have some great surprises throughout the night. See you there!”
Lopez, in being presented with the iHeartRadio Icon Award, is being recognized as a musical artist for pop culture impact and career longevity. She has a 25-year career in film and music, and is the only artist to have a No. 1 movie and album in the U.S. at the same time, “The Wedding Planner” and “J.Lo” in 2001.
The nominees for iHeartRadio Music Awards this year include Justin Bieber, up for best make artist, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo and Silk Sonic.
The awards show will broadcast live on Fox from the Shrine Auditorium at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and a delayed broadcast at 8 p.m. Pacific Time.