Alicia Keys to host the Grammys

Alicia Keys will be back to host the 62nd Grammy Awards, and the recurring gig even came as a surprise to the superchill recording artist.

“At first I did think last year was a onetime thing but when the opportunity came back around there was no question about returning as host of the Grammy Awards,” the singersongwriter said in a statement Thursday.

“Last year was such a powerful experience for me. Not only did I feel the love in the room, but I felt it from around the world and it confirmed the healing and unifying power of music.”

The 15-time Grammy Award winner announced her return Thursday in a silly video that threw back to her memorable moments from last year’s show, including her over-the-top outfits. Keys was hailed for her warm hosting abilities and was behind several of the ceremony’s standout moments such as the pleasantly surprised Staples Center audience when she opened the show with former First Lady Michelle Obama and nominee Lady Gaga onstage with her. Keyes later showed off her rhythmic prowess when she nailed a Hazel Scott-inspired dual piano performance.

The reviews of Keys’ Grammys gig were widely positive last year.

“The ‘Girl on Fire’ singer dared to be warm and personable for her hosting debut, veering away from the usual deprecating humor, snack gags and political barbs that often drive major awards shows. She won over a notoriously cool crowd, and she set the tone for the most critically lauded Grammys in recent history,” wrote Times TV critic Lorraine Ali in her review.

“Live from the Staples Center — it’s your cool aunt, Alicia Keys!” added Rolling Stone. “Amid the public feuds, boycotts and shows of Academy power leading up to the annual event, the 15-time Grammy winner countered the music industry’s high drama with a decidedly laid-back approach to her highprofile hosting gig. She regaled the audience with her own Grammy stories, and seemed perfectly at ease bantering with everyone.”