Richard Ginika Izuora
The Grammy Awards has been postponed until March 14 due to coronavirus-related concerns.
The Recording Academy confirmed in a statement that it is moving the 63rd Grammy Awards from January to Sunday, March 14 because of the surge of coronavirus cases especially in Los Angeles, where the event is held.
“After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our host and artists scheduled to appear; we are rescheduling the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards to be broadcast Sunday, March 14, 2021,” a statement reads.
The statement said, “The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed; ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do.
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community; and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show.
We want to thank all of the talented artists, the staff, our vendors and especially this year’s nominees for their understanding, patience and willingness to work with us as we navigate these unprecedented times.”
The statement was signed by Harvey Mason jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy; Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music, Live Events and Alternative Programming, CBS; and Ben Winston, Grammy Awards Executive Producer, Fulwell 73 Productions.
“We want to thank all of the talented artists, the staff, our vendors and especially this year’s nominees for their understanding; patience; and willingness to work with us as we navigate these unprecedented times,” they said.
The Grammys had been scheduled for January 31 on CBS live from Los Angeles’ Staples Center, with Trevor Noah hosting the event. They will now air on March 14 from 8-11 p.m. ET/5-8 p.m. PT.