The 2025 Grammys will go on as scheduled, for now, with a “renewed sense of purpose.”
The Recording Academy announced on January 13 the awards are still set for Sunday, February 2 at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. There had been broad speculation about the fate of the show given the wildfires that have destroyed neighborhoods around LA during the past week, several of which are still largely uncontained.
Meanwhile, what is a traditionally star-studded and celebratory Grammy Week of parties and events leading up to the awards presentation is shaping up to be much quieter this year. Several major companies, including Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, have canceled their Grammy-related events.
“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,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, the chair of the Academy’s board of trustees, in a joint statement.
“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 challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”
Not everyone is on board with the show-must-go-on mentality. Universal Music Group canceled all of its Grammy-related events, including its Saturday artist showcase and Sunday after-Grammy party, and said it will instead use the earmarked money to help fund wildfire relief.
“Today we have cancelled all of our Grammy-related events, including the Artist Showcase and After-Grammy Party and will redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires,” according to a statement from UMG. “Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically.”
Warner Music Group also made the decision to halt plans for its Grammy Week party. The company will instead redirect funds to efforts to combat the wildfires and help those affected by the devastation.
Artist management firm Milk & Honey was the first company to announce it was halting plans for its annual Grammy Week bash, and founder Lucas Keller took to instagram to share exactly why:
“I regret that we will be canceling our annual award season pre-Grammy event in partnership with Reservoir and others… It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit,” Keller wrote. “Don’t come to town for the Grammys and take up hotels that people need desperately. Release your hotel blocks or donate them. In the meantime, if you can, please give money to MusiCares at this link to support wildlife relief. Everything counts.”
Other Grammy Week events, including the Person of the Year gala to benefit MusiCares, the arm of the Recording Academy that provides programs, services and wellness initiatives to support people in the music industry, Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards, and Clive Davis’ annual Pre-Grammy Gala, were unconfirmed at press time.
A benefit concert produced by the family of manager Irving Azoff in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, is in the works for January 30 at the Intuit Dome in LA. in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents. FireAid is being touted as an “evening of music and solidarity,” with proceeds going toward rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies. Performer and ticket information is expected in the coming days.
