Grammys Forge Ahead Amid L.A. Wildfires: ‘We Have to Do Everything We Can to Help’

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The Grammys in 2025 promised to be an exciting event showcasing a dynamic year in music, featuring stars like Chappell, Charli and Sabrina; Taylor, Beyonce and Billie; “Brat,” “Tipsy” and “Not Like Us.”

The 2025 Grammy Awards were going to be an entertaining event highlighting the lively music scene of that year with artists such as Chappell, Charli and Sabrina; Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Billie Eilish; songs like “Brat,” “Tipsy” and “Not Like Us.

However, on the 8th of January, everything shifted dramatically when wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, the city where the Grammys are traditionally held. For the third time in five years, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the shows in 2021 and 2022, the Grammys found themselves needing to adjust their usual grand, glamorous event into a more somber and serious one. “I must admit I was anticipating a straightforward show,” confesses Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “But on that Wednesday morning, everything suddenly turned on its head.

Despite numerous requests to delay the February 2nd show and the swift cancellation of almost every Grammy Week party, Mason Winston, the show’s executive producer along with Ben Winston, remained firm in their decision to proceed. With over 6,500 people in the Los Angeles area working on major awards shows such as the Grammys, which contributes approximately $200 million to the local economy, moving forward seemed crucial.

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Despite calls for postponement and quick cancellations of most Grammy Week events, Mason and Ben Winston, producers of the show, were resolute about pushing through with the February 2nd event. The Grammys, which employs around 6,500 people in the Los Angeles area and contributes an estimated $200 million to the local economy, made it essential for them to continue.

Mason points out, “On one side, our platform has the potential for great good, but consider the impact on the countless individuals involved in its production or related industries, should we decide to delay or cancel the event.

Winston comments, “Following COVID, in the aftermath of it, two Hollywood industry disruptions and more, it’s challenging to convey to the stagehands, costume designers, makeup artists, drivers, caterers, PAs, and all those who earn a living from the Grammys that we won’t be putting on the show.

In a pattern that has become routine, the Recording Academy, CBS (the broadcast partner), and Winston’s team sprang into action. “That Wednesday,” Mason explains, “I initiated phone calls. I was speaking with or video-conferencing with state officials, local leaders, fire department chiefs, heads of tourism, managers of numerous hotels – and each one shared the same sentiment: ‘You must put on the show – for the city, for the people, for the image of our city being open for business. You must do it.’ Additionally, the music community required it, as the MusiCares event would generate funds.

MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, swiftly responded as well. Not only did they adjust their annual Person of the Year benefit concert (originally honoring the Grateful Dead) to aid in fire relief efforts, but they also started fundraising immediately. As of publication, they had managed to raise $3.2 million and distributed $2.2 million towards this cause.

Although some people initially worried that Grammy attendees might occupy hotel rooms previously owned by locals who lost their homes, it appears now, as of last week’s report, that these hotels were only 30% occupied. This could be attributed to the significant decline in tourism due to the fires and hotels not being a sustainable housing solution for local residents over the long term.

On January 13th, the Academy made an official statement that the event would proceed as planned. Mason explained, “Unless it was completely impractical or unsafe to host the show due to reasons like the fire department declaring it too risky, the police department being overwhelmed, or local authorities forbidding us, we wouldn’t have considered canceling or delaying.

He’s equally definite about what the program won’t entail: It’s neither a charitable event nor a fundraiser, but rather “an event that generates funds,” he stresses. “It won’t be a telethon, and you won’t see a ticker at the bottom of the screen displaying a running total; it’s not that kind of gathering. It’s an opportunity for us to leverage our platform — and fortunately, CBS is cooperative in this regard — to collect funds and spread awareness, but it will still include performances and awards.

He adds, ‘Things will change, but it won’t be a complete transformation.’ He explains, ‘We’ll adopt a new approach, incorporating conversations by the fire, fundraising elements, and more interactive segments. However, we’ll still feature performances, awards, and celebrations of music. The difference will be noticeable, and you’ll understand that we’re using music to make a positive impact.’

Striking a harmony between solemnity and jubilation is an often encountered predicament for these teams, including host Trevor Noah, during the Grammy Awards, and the pandemic-influenced Grammys have retained certain features, such as the star-studded tables near the stage, which originated from the small, exclusive, partially distanced event of 2021; there will also be extended, advertisement-free segments throughout the ceremony. However, Winston points out that this year’s changes do not represent a comprehensive transformation.

He explains that while the show isn’t completely new, it hasn’t been discontinued. However, there are a few fresh additions, and some artists have modified their songs. He emphasizes that it’s our responsibility to set the mood, not the artists’. Essentially, it’s still the Grammys, featuring remarkable performances and honoring those who’ve made music that touched us in the past year. In these challenging times, he believes there’s great worth in delivering music, joy, and laughter. Yet, they are mindful of the tragedy in Los Angeles and global issues, and they will address these matters.

Instead of hosting over a dozen events during Grammy Week, the Academy opted to streamline the schedule by focusing on just four key events that would also highlight fire recovery efforts: MusiCares, the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala, the Special Merit Awards, and the main event. Additionally, some non-Academy Grammy Week events, such as the FireAid concerts at the Forum and Intuit Arena on Thursday, will incorporate elements to aid in fire relief efforts.

Mason points out that every event is equally significant, yet they acknowledge some individuals attend multiple events. Instead of organizing numerous fundraisers, it could be wiser to concentrate our efforts on those gatherings where we can collectively achieve the greatest positive impact.

Winston acknowledges why the majority of this week’s social gatherings such as parties, brunches, and dinners were called off. “I believe a gathering,” he remarks, “is distinct in nature. Serving hors d’oeuvres and champagne while there are people nearby suffering devastation might seem insensitive. However, I think the Grammy show itself is unique, and can actually make a difference.

Without a doubt, Mason emphasizes that “Given the hardships faced by many in our community over the past five years – from losing their studios, homes, musical instruments, and livelihoods – it’s crucial we offer every possible aid. This includes fundraising, spreading the word, and ultimately empowering MusiCares with the necessary funds to assist the multitude of individuals who will require help in the coming years, not just for a short while but for an extended period.

However, while flames persist in spreading throughout Los Angeles County, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for a quick turn towards critical circumstances. Mason often emphasizes this point: “Every time I speak, I always remind people that if conditions worsen, we must be prepared for anything being up for grabs.

See MusiCares.org for ways you can help the music community with wildfire relief.

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2025-01-27 19:18