As the 2025 Grammy Awards approach, now just three weeks away, concerns are rising about the event’s status due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The city’s ongoing crisis has sparked industry speculation over whether the show, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Crypto.com Arena, might be postponed. Even if the fires are under control by then, the widespread damage to homes, businesses, and the significant displacement of residents makes a “business as usual” event seem improbable.
While no official decision has been made, sources tell Variety that the Recording Academy and CBS, the event’s broadcast partner, are exploring ways to incorporate relief efforts into the show. Discussions include fundraising initiatives to aid both the city and its music community.
In addition to the main event, plans are reportedly underway for a benefit concert leading up to the Grammys. MusiCares, the Grammys’ foundation supporting music professionals in need, may host a relief-focused event. It’s unclear if this concert will merge with MusiCares’ annual gala honoring the Grateful Dead or remain a separate initiative. Adding to the slate, Live Nation, the Azoff family, and AEG Presents announced a “FireAid” benefit concert at the Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, though the lineup has yet to be revealed.
This situation echoes past Grammys in 2021 and 2022, which were reshaped by the pandemic. One show even relocated to Las Vegas due to the Omicron surge. However, given Los Angeles’s long-standing tradition, it seems unlikely that the 2025 Grammys would move from there.
As of January 12, 2025, Los Angeles is still grappling with multiple wildfires that have claimed at least 16 lives and destroyed over 12,300 structures. The Palisades Fire, the largest blaze, has burned 22,660 acres and is only 11% contained.
Approximately 150,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with an additional 166,800 under evacuation warnings. Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to contain the fires, but strong winds and dry conditions hamper efforts. The economic impact is estimated to exceed $57 billion.
The Eaton Fire, another significant blaze, has burned 14,117 acres and is currently 27% contained. It has resulted in at least 11 fatalities and continues to threaten communities in the Altadena area. Evacuation orders remain in effect, and firefighting efforts are on
UPDATE:
The Recording Academy has now decided to go on with the show. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees chair Tammy Hurt said in a letter to Academy members, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days. In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned. This year’s show, however, 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.”
In addition, the letter addressed the ongoing fires, “…the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals. Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need.”
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