Universal Music Group has cancelled its Grammy Awards after party due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
The company has announced its decision to scrap plans for “all of its Grammy-related events”, with resources instead being put towards “those affected” by the fires across Southern California. The redirected funds are estimated to provide support for thousands of displaced residents.
“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,” Universal said in a statement. The company’s relief efforts are expected to contribute significantly to local emergency response initiatives.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically. L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.” Over 5,000 firefighters are currently battling the blazes across the region.
Meanwhile, the main Grammy Awards ceremony will still be going ahead at LA’s Crypto.com Arena on February 2 despite fears the event would be axed following the fires, which have claimed at least 24 lives. The venue has implemented enhanced safety protocols to ensure attendee security.
Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt have now released a statement saying it will be held as planned. The decision came after extensive consultation with local emergency services and safety experts.
“Dear Recording Academy Members, Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” opened the statement shared by CNN Reporter Elizabeth Wagmeister on X. The fires have already caused an estimated $2 billion in property damage.
“This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days. In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals.” The initiative is expected to help hundreds of industry members affected by the disaster.
The ceremony will “proceed as planned” and organizers have promised “close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources”. Additional emergency response teams will be stationed around the venue during the event.
The statement added that the show “will carry a renewed sense of purpose” focused on “raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours”. The televised event is expected to reach over 20 million viewers worldwide.
The decision to maintain the ceremony while canceling peripheral events reflects a delicate balance between maintaining cultural traditions and responding appropriately to the crisis. Local officials have praised the industry’s response to the emergency situation.
Environmental experts note that this latest round of wildfires represents a growing trend of extreme weather events in Southern California, with fire seasons becoming increasingly severe and prolonged. Climate scientists predict this pattern may continue in coming years.
The music industry’s response to the crisis has sparked a wave of similar actions from other entertainment sectors, with several major studios and production companies also redirecting resources to support relief efforts. The coordinated response demonstrates the entertainment industry’s significant role in community support during times of crisis.
Public health officials have issued air quality warnings for much of the Los Angeles area, with particular concern for vulnerable populations. Emergency shelters have been established throughout the region to accommodate those displaced by the fires, with many entertainment venues offering their facilities as temporary refuge centers.
