Grammy Awards 2012 Show to Feature Star-Studded Performances

George Napolitano/FilmMagic(LOS ANGELES) — This year’s Grammy Awards only have 78 categories, compared with the more than 100 categories of previous years.

But don’t expect the telecast, which airs on CBS Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT, to wrap up earlier than usual.

“No, the show won’t be shorter,” laughs Ken Ehrlich, the executive producer of the Grammy Awards. “We’ve taken categories out but we haven’t figured out how to make it shorter! There’s just so much good stuff out there that we want to celebrate.”

That means viewers will see a whopping 19 performances spread over the three-and-a-half-hour show and, as in past years, most of the actual trophies will be handed out in a non-televised ceremony that takes place beforehand.

In fact, according to Ehrlich, the Grammy Awards show isn’t so much about the actual awards as it is about the performances, which feature cool collaborations from artists in every musical genre.

Performers include Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. In addition, Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt will be paying tribute to Etta James in one of several collaborations scheduled throughout the evening, while Adele will be making her first big performance since her vocal cord surgery.

Explaining why so many stars are willing to give up the solo spotlight to team with other artists for these special “Grammy Moments,” Ehrlich tells ABC News Radio, “A great number of [these artists] go on other shows and perform well, but we look at our show as being what you’re working towards. You want to be the best on this show because it means something to be the best on this show.  And so there’s this kind of mindset that allows them to be more collaborative.”

But of course, there will be actual awards handed out Sunday night.

The leading nominee is Kanye West, who has a chance to expand his already huge collection of 14 Grammys: he’s got seven nominations, while Adele, Bruno Mars and Foo Fighters are tied with six each.

Lil Wayne and electronic musician Skrillex have five nominations, while Rihanna, Radiohead, indie rockers Bon Iver, Drake and British alt-folk group Mumford & Sons each received four nods.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio