The 67th annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2, 2025, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, will take on a more somber tone this year as it pays tribute to the victims of devastating wildfires across Southern California. With over 25 reported fatalities and more than 105,000 evacuation orders issued, the Recording Academy is gearing up to honor the deep losses within the community.
Leading the charge for tributes are musical powerhouses Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who will come together for a special performance dedicated to those affected by the wildfires. This collaboration not only highlights their musical talents but also underlines the unity and resilience of the Los Angeles community as they grapple with the aftermath of the fires.
“It’s not going to be a typical Grammy party atmosphere,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., reflecting on the event's shift toward honoring the city’s collective pain during what is usually considered a night of celebration. “Of course, we’re going to honor music, but our goal is to utilize music to make a difference,” he explained to The Guardian.
Lady Gaga, nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Bruno Mars for their hit "Die With A Smile," previously performed at the FireAid benefit concert held just days before the Grammys. During the concert, she debuted her new song, "All I Need Is Time," which she wrote for wildfire victims. "Time is a healer," she remarked, emphasizing the need for patience and recovery.
Alongside Gaga and Mars, the Grammy lineup boasts performances from many acclaimed artists, including Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, among others. Their performances will not only provide entertainment but also serve as homage to the lives overshadowed by the recent disasters. A special segment during the ceremony will also pay tribute to Quincy Jones and acknowledge the city’s cultural spirit.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the ceremony aims to raise additional funds to support wildfire recovery efforts. The revenues from ticket sales and special initiatives during the program will be directed toward aiding those impacted, including efforts established by the Recording Academy and MusiCares, which has already pledged more than $4 million to assist music professionals affected by the wildfires.
Echoing the sentiment of resilience, rock band Def Leppard has also stepped up to support the relief efforts with their cover of Ben E. King’s classic, "Stand By Me." Phil Collen, the band's guitarist, stated, "Let’s stand by each other and make a difference – because no one should face hardship alone." All proceeds from this single will go directly to help wildfire victims and support long-term recovery initiatives.
The Grammy Awards, which will air live from Crypto.com Arena at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on CBS and via streaming services, is not just about celebrating the best of music; it aims to serve as a platform for healing and support for those suffering in the wake of the wildfires. The included performances seek to blend artistry with advocacy—reminding all who watch of the fragility of life and the community’s strength.
The event will kick off with the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony hosted by Grammy nominee Justin Tranter. Beginning at 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT, it will livestream the majority of winner announcements across 80 categories, setting the stage for the main event.
The community response to the wildfires has been overwhelming, with numerous artists and organizations dedicatively working to raise awareness and funds for recovery. Whether through benefit concerts, single releases, or performances during award shows, the artistic community has demonstrated its solidarity with those impacted.
Indeed, as Lady Gaga pointed out at the FireAid concert, "We all need...time." This reminder of the healing process seems particularly poignant as Los Angeles mourns, yet simultaneously rallies together to support its own, ensuring no one faces these hardships alone.