The Grammy Awards are being postponed from its January 31 date.
A rep for the show confirmed the news to Variety. Further details are expected shortly. Sources tell the outlet that the show may be moved to March, although no date is confirmed at this time.
UPDATE: The new date for the 2021 Grammys is March 14
Sources tell Variety that a combination of health and travel concerns that includes a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in the city of Los Angeles where the event is set to take place, led the Recording Academy and its network partner CBS to decide to postpone the show.
The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah is scheduled to host. The move is not entirely unexpected, as Variety has heard several confusing reports in recent days around performances scheduled for the show.
Currently, Los Angeles hospitals are overrun with COVID-19 cases, and hotels are closed for non-essential travel. Some TV and Film production has been suspended.
The Voice is still scheduled to film the show’s Battle Rounds and Knockout Rounds for the upcoming 20th season on January 25, 26 and February 5. But keep an eye on this page. In light of the current COVID emergency, those dates could change. 1iota is booking a virtual audience, but there are still contestants to house and keep healthy. Cast and crew also need to be protected.
Statement from Recording Academy chairman and interim chief Harvey Mason Jr., CBS exec Jack Sussman and Executive Producer Ben Winston:
After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our network partner, CBS, our host, and artists scheduled to appear, we have made the decision to postpone the 63rd GRAMMY Awards to March 14, 2021. The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, where hospital services have been overwhelmed and ICUs have reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have 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 show will go on and we will unite and heal through music by celebrating excellence and saluting this year’s outstanding nominees.
