are the Grammys still happening

Photo Credit: Sudhith Xavier

With music’s biggest night a few weeks away, will the 67th Annual Grammy Awards be delayed due to the wildfires still ravaging Los Angeles?

The Grammys are scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 2, at downtown Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. But in the wake of the rampant wildfires in the area, will music’s biggest night have to be postponed?

Discussions are reportedly underway to either postpone the show and its related events, or transform the broadcast into a fundraiser — the latter of which seems incredibly likely, regardless. A senior television executive tells The Hollywood Reporter it’s “highly likely” the Grammys will postpone, especially since the fires are still active. The devastation to the city is likely to still be a concern into next month, even once the fires are under control.

Meanwhile, Recording Academy head Harvey Mason Jr. is said to be contemplating several scenarios. Other sources echo the sentiment that what transpires in the coming days will be key to determining whether the show will go on as scheduled.

Plans for a benefit concert in the days leading up to the February 2 event, which would involve the Grammys’ own foundation, MusiCares, are still ongoing. Live Nation, the Azoff family, and AEG Presents also announced a January 30 event to be held at the Intuit Dome, with participating artists still to be determined.

The Recording Academy has twice postponed the Grammys in recent years, both due to COVID-19. The 2021 show was moved from January to March due to the pandemic. Similarly, the 2022 Grammys moved to April due to a spike in the virus’ Omicron variant.

The wildfires started Tuesday due to high wind in Pacific Palisades before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight. First responders have been working hard across Los Angeles to contain active wildfires throughout the county. These include the Eaton, Hurst, and Kenneth fires. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office said Friday that the death toll has risen to 24 people. Thousands of residents have lost their homes to the flames.