The Recording Academy has announced last Tuesday that the 63rd Grammy Awards will be moved to Sunday, March 14, 2021.
This decision happened because of the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, especially in Los Angeles, where the event is being held.
In a statement released by the Recording Academy, they said that “the 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.”
The announcement was made by Recording Academy’s chair and interim president/CEO Harvey Mason Jr. along with Jack Sussman, the CBS EVP Specials, Music, Live Events and Alternative Programming, and Ben Winston who is the executive producer for the awards 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,” they said.
The original schedule for the Grammys was January 31 on CBS live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with comedian Trevor Noah as the host.
The Grammys’ site and social media accounts had its countdown clock for the January date changed last Tuesday. As for the voting this year, it has already closed last Monday.
The list of nominees for the 63rd annual Grammys were released last November, and had Beyoncé leading with nine nominations. Along with the diva, we have Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Post Malone and Black Pumas with multiple nominations in the General Field categories.
“WAP” singer Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat also received multiple nominations but will both be facing off in the Best New Artist category. Other nominees for the said category are Phoebe Bridgers, Ingrid Andress, Chika, Noah Cyrus, D Smoke and Kaytranada.