The Recording Academy has announced that this year’s Grammy Awards
, originally scheduled to air and on January 31, has been pushed back to March. As with many entertainment and sporting events since last year, the awards ceremony was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.A joint statement was released 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, the Grammy Awards executive producer.
“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,” the executive said
“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 ceremony is now scheduled for March 14.
The Recording Academy had previously announced the Grammy nominees, which include Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, John Legend, Chloe X Halle, Ledisi, Robert Glasper, H.E.R., Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, DaBaby, Lil Baby, Pop Smoke, Drake, Anderson .Paak, Travis Scott, Lil Durk, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Electronica, Nas, Royce 5’9″, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Lecrae, Kirk Franklin, PJ Morton, and Kierra Sheard.
The 2021 Special Merit Awards Honorees are: Selena, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Talking Heads, Lionel Hampton, Marilyn Horne, and Salt-N-Pepa.
Author and comedian Trevor Noah, the longtime host of The Daily Show, will emcee music’s biggest night. Beyoncé has the most Grammy nominations with nine. Click here to see the complete list of Grammy nominees.