For the first time in its history, the National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) will announce its nominees for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast live in a nationally televised event.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Academy announced that The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night will be broadcast live from NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9 – 10 p.m. ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network. The one hour television special will announce nominations in at least six categories, as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners.

The show will also celebrate the grand opening of the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE. Performers and presenters scheduled to appear on the broadcast will be announced shortly. The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards take place on Feb. 8, 2009, and will also be shown nationally by CBS.

"This special will provide viewers a unique opportunity to witness a great live music event while enjoying the GRAMMY nominations, jumpstarting the road to Music's Biggest Night, the annual GRAMMY Awards in February, " said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS.

Tickets to The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night, as well as an exclusive one-hour concert to follow the live television broadcast, will be available to the public and will go on sale on Mon., Oct. 27, at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Earlier this week, nominations were announced for the American Music Awards, which airs November 23 on ABC.