LOS ANGELES (US) – The surge of the pandemic in Los Angeles has forced the postponement of the Grammy Awards from Jan. 31 to March 14, organisers said on Tuesday.
In a joint statement, the Recording Academy and broadcaster CBS said the ceremony during which the highest honours in the music industry is presented has been delayed following discussions with health experts and musicians.
“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,” 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,” it added.
Rolling Stone magazine had earlier reported the rescheduling of the event and Variety and the Recording Academy had told its members in a memo that the ceremony would be held on March 21.
There is a surge in the number of infection-related deaths and hospitalisations in Los Angeles and gyms, hair salons and restaurants have been shut down. Residents have been told to stay at home as much as possible.
For this year’s Grammys, Beyonce is leading with nine nods.
The Recording Academy is yet to announce who would be performing during the event, which usually is a three-hour affair of live performances by top global musicians and speeches by winners.