The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, set for February 2, will proceed as planned despite the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, the Recording Academy confirmed on Monday.
In a letter to Academy members obtained by AFP, the organizers assured that the event, to be held at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA, will be conducted in close coordination with local authorities to prioritize public safety and responsibly manage resources.
“This year’s show will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours,” wrote Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt in the letter.
The letter also emphasized that the Grammys will serve as a platform to showcase resilience and unity in the face of tragedy, while celebrating artistry and achievements in the music industry.
The marquee televised portion of the ceremony will air as scheduled on CBS, with top nominees including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar.
The wildfires, which began nearly a week ago due to extreme winds, have claimed at least 24 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and left large parts of Los Angeles in ruins. In response, the Recording Academy and its philanthropic arm, MusiCares, have launched a relief effort, starting with a $1 million donation to support affected music industry workers. The effort has already raised over $2 million in emergency aid.
Additionally, LiveNation, AEG Presents, and the Azoff Company announced a FIREAID benefit concert scheduled for January 30 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Proceeds from the concert will go toward rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention technologies to better prepare LA for future emergencies.
The fires have also impacted the broader entertainment industry, with the Oscars canceling its nominees’ luncheon and moving its nominations announcement online, as Hollywood grapples with the challenges of an altered award season amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
Comments
Loading…