The 67th annual Grammy Awards will take place as scheduled on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, despite the devastating wildfires ravaging parts of the city. The Recording Academy announced on Monday that the event would proceed in collaboration with local authorities to prioritize public safety and efficiently use available resources.
In a heartfelt letter to Academy members, CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt emphasized that this year’s Grammys would serve a greater purpose by supporting wildfire relief efforts. The show will honor the heroism of first responders who have been working tirelessly to save lives and property amid the ongoing crisis.
“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,” Mason and Hurt said. They added that the Grammys would celebrate the resilience and spirit of Los Angeles, even as the city battles the aftermath of catastrophic fires.
The televised portion of the event will air on CBS, with top nominees including global superstars Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar.
The fires, fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, have caused unprecedented destruction in Southern California, claiming at least 24 lives, displacing tens of thousands, and leaving parts of Los Angeles in ruins. The entertainment hub is navigating a precarious awards season, with some organizations, like the Oscars, canceling high-profile events to focus on relief efforts.
In response to the crisis, the Recording Academy and its philanthropic arm, MusiCares, have launched a wildfire relief initiative. An initial donation of $1 million has already provided aid to music industry workers affected by the disaster. Additional contributions have helped the organization distribute more than $2 million in emergency relief so far.
Complementing the Grammys’ fundraising efforts, LiveNation, AEG Presents, and the Azoff Company have organized a FIREAID benefit concert scheduled for January 30 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Proceeds from the event will go toward rebuilding infrastructure, assisting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention strategies to better prepare the region for future emergencies.
As Los Angeles grapples with the fires’ devastating impact, the Grammys aim to be more than a celebration of musical excellence. The event seeks to amplify a message of hope, resilience, and collective action, underscoring the power of community in times of crisis.
