As is becoming the staple (and to whet appetites for the forthcoming ceremony), the biggest night in music is preceded by a nomination special to get fans geared up for its parent showing.  The LL Cool J-hosted event, set at the Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater, saw performances by Usher, Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Rihanna, and many others.

Playing prep for the February 12th event (live on CBS), get into the night’s performances after the jump…

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See the full list of nominations here.

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