SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Comedian Jon Stewart will make an encore appearance as host of this year's Grammy Awards, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences announced Tuesday.

"Jon was a joy to work with last year and demonstrated a real passion for the music and genuine understanding of his job as host," Michael Greene, the academy's president, said in announcing that Stewart has been asked to return.

Stewart is host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and has appeared in such movies as "Big Daddy" and "The Faculty." His next film, "Death to Smoochy," starring Robin Williams, will hit theaters in March.

The 44th annual Grammy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Feb. 27.