The devastating California wildfires have ignited calls from some social media users to cancel the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2, in Los Angeles.
One user commented, “Cancel the award show this year. It’s not worth having the show when the State you are hosting it in is suffering. If you proceed, it will show a lack of compassion and empathy; not just for your fellow music artists, but also for the everyday citizens in California.”
The Recording Academy announced via its verified Instagram account that they, along with Music Cares, have pledged $1 million through the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to aid music professionals impacted by the crisis. The Academy is also urging its followers to donate to musiccares.org/FireRelief.
Meanwhile, the devastating wildfires have forced a production shutdown across Los Angeles, as well as the cancellation of a number of key award season events that were set to take place this week including the Critics Choice Awards, and the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild.
Up to Music News time, reports are that ten people have died, and over 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Experts also warn that Los Angeles remains at risk, with the fires potentially becoming the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history.
Celebrities including Mel Gibson, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Ricki Lake have opened up about losing their homes.
