The Grammys, one of music’s biggest nights, has again been postponed.
The awards show, which honors the year’s most popular and groundbreaking music and artists, has been hosted each spring since 1958. However, the event has also taken a hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though there have been no cancellations in the history of the Grammys, the COVID-19 pandemic has ended a nearly sixty-five-year streak of ceremonies without interruptions.
The 63rd Grammy Awards were set to happen on Jan. 31, 2021, but were postponed to March 14, 2021. Similarly, the 2022 ceremony was originally scheduled for the same day but will now take place on April 3, 2022. The location for this year’s event has also been altered; the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will host. Previously, the Grammys have taken place in Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the STAPLES Center).
The Recording Academy, the organization responsible for the Grammys, took to their platforms on Jan. 5 to announce the postponement, stating that safety “remains [their] top priority.”
Nearly two weeks later, on Jan. 18, the Recording Academy updated their statement to reflect the new date and location.
In both cases, changes have occurred because of concerns surrounding the pandemic and surges in cases. As of Jan. 19, the state of California is experiencing upwards of 110,000 cases daily, with 19.95% of tests coming back positive in Los Angeles County.
Though millions of people watch the Grammys from the comfort of their homes, it is important to note that this is no small event in person, either. The MGM Grand Garden Arena can house up to 16,800 people and is one of many arenas where similar events, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, are held.
Among the people that attend are crew members, producers, and celebrities themselves. Though they have busy schedules that have surely been impacted by the postponement of the Grammys.
But with COVID taking many hits to the award show, another thing many wonder does the Grammys hold the same weight they once did. For many artists getting a Grammy was one of the biggest honors, where millions tuned in to watch it all happen live. Last year’s Grammys hit a new low when the award show had the lowest ratings it had seen in decades.
People can watch the Grammys on April 3 at 8 p.m. on CBS or Paramount+.
Carly Webster
Reporter