Big Honking Stars

Grammy telecast to be stocked with performances from top nominees:

The Recording Academy scored an early coup this week for its upcoming 45th annual Grammy broadcast by signing a group of big-name acts — including Grammy nominees Bruce Springsteen and Norah Jones — to perform at the kudofest.

Also scheduled to hit the stage during the Feb. 23 show at Madison Square Garden are Brit rockers Coldplay, country star Faith Hill and rapper Nelly (featuring Kelly Rowland). All five of the acts confirmed to date are Grammy nominees.

That star power should give ratings for the Grammy broadcast on CBS a healthy shot in the arm. Nelly’s latest LP “Nellyville” (Universal) has sold more than 5 million units, while Jones’ “Come Away With Me” (Blue Note) has moved 3 million and Springsteen’s “The Rising” (Columbia) just under 2 million. [Variety]