Will Smith Named Nickelodeon’s 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards Host

Nickelodeon made the exciting announcement today that world-renowned actor, producer and recording artist Will Smith will be hosting the 25th annual 2012 Kids Choice Awards.

The event honoring the year’s biggest television, movie, and music acts – as voted by Nickelodeon viewers – is to take place March 31 at the Galen Center at the University of Southern California.

“How better to celebrate 25 years of Kids’ Choice Awards than with the biggest movie star in the world?” said Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon Group and an Executive Producer of the show. “Will has enough KCA blimps at home to fill a room, having long been one of kids’ favorites. He’s a larger than life presence who knows how to play big and we’re excited he’ll be taking the stage for the biggest, loudest, messiest spectacle in the show’s 25-year history.”

Last years Kids’ Choice Awards show was hosted by Jack Black and drew 7.3 million viewers, ranking as that week’s top telecast all of TV in kids and tween demos.

The 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards nominees will be announced in February.

Smith, a 10-time Kids’ Choice Blimp Award winner, is best known for his work in “Hitch,” “I Am Legend,” “I, Robot” and the “Men in Black” franchise. He started his career as a rapper, but his popularity increased dramatically when he starred in the sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”

“The Kids’ Choice Awards are always the year’s liveliest, slimiest and most outrageous party for kids and teens,” Smith told E!online. “I’m honored they wanted me to host this year so I can have a front row seat to take part in the fun.”

Besides hosting award shows and spending time with his musically gifted children, Willow and Jaden, Will Smith is also preparing for the release of “Men In Black III,” slated to hit theaters on May 25, 2012.

Check out Will Smith in the trailer for MIB 3 below: