The Recording Academy has announced major changes for the upcoming Grammys week, canceling some industry events that typically lead up to Sunday's awards show while rescheduling others to focus more on relief efforts from the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles .
"We understand how devastating this past week has been to this city and its people," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. "This is our home and the home for thousands of music Home for professionals, many of us have been negatively impacted, so after careful consideration, and multiple reassurances from state and local elected leaders, public safety agencies, and the support of our incredible community of artists, we have decided to do so. GRAMMY telecasts and select events continue in 2025. This year’s GRAMMY Week is not only about celebrating music, it’s about using the power of music to help rebuild, revitalize and support those in need.”
Grammy week is typically the busiest week in the music industry, with much of the industry usually flocking to Los Angeles to celebrate the win while enjoying lavish parties throughout the city. This year, however, is shaping up to be quieter, with the Palisades and Eaton fires destroying thousands of homes, killing 25 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents. The music industry is coming together to provide resources and relief to hundreds of Los Angeles artists and industry workers who have lost their homes, studios and instruments.
Several companies, including the three major record labels, have announced they will cancel Grammy parties, and labels are discussing reducing the number of employees who will attend.
A representative from the college told rolling stones A total of six events have been canceled, along with 10 shows scheduled to take place at the Grammy House. Removed events include previously announced events such as the Producers and Engineers Wing celebration and the Black Music Collective honoring Kirk Franklin.
As the Academy confirmed on Tuesday, the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala honoring the Grateful Dead is going ahead as planned. MusiCares, the academy's nonprofit organization that helps the music community through hardships such as disasters or health care, has raised $2 million in wildfire relief funds. Clive Davis' annual star-studded pre-Grammy party is now a fundraiser, according to the Academy.
The Academy's announcement comes two days after Mason wrote a memo to Academy members confirming that the ceremony would still take place on February 2 as planned, hoping to use the Grammy platform to help the city.
“In challenging times, music has the unparalleled power to heal, comfort and unite,” Mason wrote. “The Grammy Awards will not only celebrate the artistry and achievement in our music community, but also serve as a platform to strengthen the resilience of our great city, Los Angeles.”
In addition to the Academy's official events, FireAid, a large-scale benefit concert organized by music industry mogul Irving Azoff and promoted by Live Nation and AEG, will be held on January 30 during Grammy Week. Not revealed yet.