Spotted on Hits Daily Double:
With the Grammys under two weeks away, NARAS head Neil Portnow, executive producer Ken Ehrlich and CBS EVP Specials, Music & Live Events Jack Sussman are doing everything possible to put together a great show. But absent from the talent lineup as of now are Justin Timberlake and Jay Z, two of music’s biggest stars, who were snubbed in the major categories, and whose presence on the telecast is crucial in the team’s concerted effort to recover from last year’s ratings slump. CBS is in year two of a 10-year deal to televise the Grammys, shelling out a reported $60m annually for the rights—and the show’s ratings derive directly from the wattage of its combined star power. According to Timberlake insiders, JT has turned down the invitation to perform and isn’t likely to change his mind.