Grammy Awards Hosting Uncertainty
The possibility of hosting the 2025 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 2 is in doubt following the devastation caused by ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.
On Monday (January 13), the Recording Academy announced that the event would “go on as planned.”
The 67th Grammy Awards will be held at the Crypto.com Arena with a live television broadcast aimed at raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts, according to a statement from the Recording Academy.
Support from the Music Community
In a joint letter to Recording Academy members on Monday, Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, said:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that has befallen it in recent days.”
“In difficult times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else. The Grammys will not only celebrate the artistry and achievements of our music community, but will also serve as a platform to reinforce the spirit of sustainability that characterizes this great city of Los Angeles.”
Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, Recording Academy
They added: “Working closely with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on February 2 will proceed as planned.
“However, this year the exhibition will have a renewed 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.
“In difficult times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else. The Grammys will not only celebrate the artistry and achievements of our music community, but will also serve as a platform to reinforce the spirit of sustainability that characterizes this great city of Los Angeles.”
Last week the Recording Academy and MusiCares pledged $1 million to support music professionals affected by wildfires, kicking off relief efforts in Los Angeles.
Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt said in a letter sent to Recording Academy members on Monday that “thanks to additional donations, we have already distributed more than $2 million in emergency assistance to those who need it most – and we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide ongoing help”.
In other parts of the music industry, Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation, Social Justice Foundation announced the initial 1 million dollars donation for Los Angeles fire relief. The foundation said it will make donations to key organizations supporting the Los Angeles community, local first responders and members of the music industry.
Beyoncé BeyGOOD Foundation, meanwhile, has promised to donate $2.5 million to help families who have lost their housing. A portion of the funds will also go to churches and community centers. Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles is among those who have lost their homes in the bushfires.
Universal Music Group (UMG) said at least 50 of its employees have lost their homes or been forced out of work as devastating wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles.
In response to the crisis, Chairman and CEO of UMG Sir Lucian Grange promised to take immediate measures to support the affected employees.
In an internal letter to employees received by Hits, Grange said: “At least 50 of our colleagues have been completely displaced, with many losing their homes completely. With fires still raging and threatening other areas of Los Angeles, unfortunately, this is far from over.”
Others in the music industry are rallying in response to the bushfires. A living nation, for example. announced a charity concert called Fire assistance which will take place on January 30th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles. AEG presents and Azoff family are also participating in the production of the show, the artists of which are still unknown.
Besides, Guitar Center is also intervening to help musicians who lost their instruments and equipment in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Grammy Awards to ‘proceed as planned’ despite Los Angeles wildfires
