Despite the horrific flames raging in Los Angeles, the Grammys, scheduled for February 2, will “proceed as planned,” the Recording Academy announced Monday.
According to a letter sent to Academy members that AFP was able to receive, the 67th annual music awards ceremony will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles “in close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources.”
It was co-signed by Board of Trustees chair Tammy Hurt. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours,” Academy head Harvey Mason Jr. wrote in the letter.
“In addition to celebrating the talent and accomplishments of our music industry, the Grammys will provide a forum to elevate the resilient spirit that characterises this magnificent city of Los Angeles,” Mason and Hurt stated.
The gala’s main televised segment will continue to air on CBS.
Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Billie Eilish are among the top nominations.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, at least 24 people have died, and large areas of Los Angeles are in ruins about a week after fires started when strong winds swept flames throughout dry Southern California, leaving the city crippled and entire towns destroyed.
To help affected music industry workers, the Recording Academy and its charitable arm MusiCares started a relief effort with a $1 million grant.
According to the letter, more than $2 million in emergency relief has already been distributed by the organisation thanks to additional donations.
In addition, LiveNation, AEG Presents, and the Azoff Company announced over the weekend that the Intuit Dome in Inglewood will host a FIREAID benefit event on January 30.
The event’s nonprofit, which was established specifically for “rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure LA is better prepared for fire emergencies,” will receive the proceeds.
Showbiz capital Los Angeles’ entertainment business is considering how to handle its recently begun award season, which is especially competitive for films and includes a constant flow of glamorous premieres and galas.
Given the flames, the Oscars’ organising board decided to move their nomination reveal online and cancelled its upscale nominees’ luncheon.
