In the wake of the devastating fire fires that surpassed Los Angeles throughout January, Grammy’s executive producer Ben Winston knew that the show could have the power to Unite the city and start rebuilding.
“We always felt, if it was safe to do so and if we had permission from the local government and ambulance, fire and police service – all of which gave a green light for this event to happen – we all felt that it really should happen,” Winston told Thewrap, pointing to the approximately 6,500 Blue Collar workers who receive a salary from contributing to the music centric show, including drivers, set designers and florists, among others.
“It has not been the easiest time for our industry,” said Winston, who EPS together with Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins, and noted how last year’s Grammys were affected by the authors’ strike while the two previous ceremonies were about the remains of the remains Covid-19 pandemic . “If we actually want to support Los Angeles and support the people of Los Angeles, cancel events like this, as long as it is safe to do so, it’s not a smart idea.”
While other awards show their ceremonies while some completely interrupted, Grammys got stuck with their pre -planned date on Sunday 2 February, instead embraced a “Renewed sense of purpose” to raise money for fire relief and honor first respondents. Throughout the night, Grammys will market three charities, but Winston made it clear that he does not want the burden to donate just falling on the audience, and encourages the show’s sponsors and networks as well.
The renewed focus got Winston and his team to swing the first documents in the show, although it did not throw too much of a wrench in their previous plans as the majority of planning does not start until the first week in January anyway.
“Many artists came in contact (who) wanted to be part of the show because they thought it was important that the music community gathered around and made their bit – we were very moved by the number of artists who wanted to be a part of contributing to the night,” said Winston. “I think a couple of artists probably changed their songs, you know, so it was more in tone with what we do. And other artists didn’t have to change anything. “
From Friday morning, Performers list includes Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Raye, while presenters include Cardi B, Gloria Estefan, Olivia Rodrigo, Queen Latifah, Sza, Sza, Taylor Swift, Victoria Monoria, Victoria, Victoria, Victoria. But Winston said to expect the unexpected when it comes to artists and says “There will be some surprise performances that may be a little unexpected.”
While Winston said the show would pay tribute to the fire departments containing fire fires, as well as a handful of local Los Angeles operations, he insisted that fans would not expect “too much of a down-hearted show”, called it more of a party for a party than anything Other.
“We will celebrate this city, which we have all fallen into love since the crisis happened,” he said. “There is a social spirit that I have not seen before in LA on the ten years I have lived here, and we will really celebrate LA and make our little bit to help rebuild it.”
With the Golden Globes, which marks the season’s first major award ceremony just a few days before the fire fires hit, all eyes have been on subsequent ceremonies to see how prices show that the devastating fires. It is especially true before Oscars, who have received several calls from major celebrities – from Stephen King to Jean Smart – to change the format or completely cancel.
“We have to get the balance right between making sure the tone in the show respects what happened – that we are doing a little good at night, which I think we can do – but I think it’s also ok to celebrate last year of music, said Winston. When things happen in your life – devastating things, bad things – I am not convinced that you are running at the cinema to watch your favorite movie, and I don’t think you put on your favorite TV show, you ‘Don’t listen to a podcast – I think what you actually do is listen to music … there is always a place for music no matter what happens in the world. “
Host Trevor Noah is someone Winston trusts wholeheartedly to strike the right balance on Sunday when he hosts Grammys for the fifth year in a row after starting worthy of 2021.
“I am very lucky that five years later he still wants to do it with us,” Winston said, ensuring that he will get the tone right. “He is both incredibly smart, he is very, very funny. He can bring Levity to every moment, and he has a real emotional intelligence. This means that he is the perfect person worth Sunday’s Grammys. “
With Winston at the helm of Grammys for several years, he noted that the show during Covid-19 was the most difficult to produce due to logistical problems. Still, the planning 2025 show has been a little more emotional when friends and employees meet devastation and evacuation and say: “We know it every day.”
“The team that pulls the artist society together and pulls together everyone who wants to be a part of the show in some way … To be so creative and imaginative to think about producing the show, it has been a very inspiring thing to be part of, “He shared.
2025 Grammy’s Air Sunday February 2 at 5 pt at CBS. The show will be available to stream live for paramount+ with showtime subscribers and on-demand for paramount+ subscribers the day after it is broadcast.
