Despite the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles recently, the 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony, set for February 2 at Crypto.com Arena, will proceed as planned, the Recording Academy has confirmed.
The fires, which began on January 7, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, have wreaked havoc on many local neighbourhoods. As of January 13, the wildfires continue impacting the region, prompting the Recording Academy to adjust.
In a joint statement, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and MusiCares chair Tammy Hurt expressed their sorrow over the destruction and loss of life in Los Angeles, a city they both call home.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Mason and Hurt wrote. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.”
While safety remains a top priority, the Grammy Awards telecast will proceed with a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to celebrating the achievements of the music community, the event will raise funds to support ongoing wildfire relief efforts and honor the bravery of first responders.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else,” the statement continued. “The Grammys will serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”
While many are rallying behind the event, some have raised concerns about celebrating in the midst of such devastation. A notable example was the cancellation of the Milk & Honey pre-Grammy event on January 12, with founder Lucas Keller sharing his decision on social media. “It would be tone deaf to celebrate,” Keller wrote, urging others to donate to MusiCares’ wildfire relief efforts instead.
In response to the crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, making an initial $1 million donation to assist music professionals affected by the fires. As of this writing, over $2 million in emergency aid has already been distributed, with continued efforts underway to provide additional support.
This marks the third time in five years that the Grammy telecast has been affected by external events. Both the 2021 and 2022 ceremonies were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2022 event moving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to accommodate schedule changes.
As anticipation for the event builds, the Recording Academy has yet to announce the host of this year’s Grammy Awards. That announcement, initially expected last week, has been delayed in light of the ongoing situation but is expected soon.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will honour a wide array of talent, with Beyoncé leading the nominations with 11 nods. Charli XCX and Post Malone are tied with eight nominations each, followed by Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar with seven each. Final-round voting concluded on January 3.
