Ten-time 2005 GRAMMY Award nominee and rap sensation Kanye West is confirmed to perform on the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. Joining him to perform will be an impressive group of soul, R&B, and gospel artists, including John Legend, Mavis Staples, and the Blind Boys Of Alabama. In addition, nine-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt and two-time GRAMMY winner Billy Preston will give a heart-rending performance in honour of the late Ray Charles.

Hosted by Queen Latifah, the 47th Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on February 14 on Channel O at 03h00 and later on M-Net at 19h00.

Kanye West is nominated for Best New Artist; Album of The Year; Best Rap Album; Best Rap Solo Performance; Best Rap/Sung Collaboration; Song Of The Year and Best Rap Song and Best R&B Song.

Ray Charles is posthumously nominated for seven GRAMMY Awards: Record of The Year, Album of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best Gospel Performance. Mavis Staples will be honoured this year with The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Newly announced presenters include Norah Jones, Ludacris, Mark McGrath, and Gary Sinise. These superstar artists join previously announced performances by Green Day, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, and U2, and presenters Ellen DeGeneres, Christina Milian and John Travolta.