Additional Coverage:
- Commentary: The Grammys promised to honor L.A. fire victims. Instead it turned them into props (newsbreak.com)
At Sunday’s Grammy Awards, held at Crypto.com Arena, the celebratory atmosphere clashed with the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. Presenter Miley Cyrus, while showcasing a glamorous gown change, highlighted the unusual tone of the evening.
The fires, which tragically claimed lives, destroyed homes and land, and exposed millions to toxic smoke, were acknowledged throughout the ceremony. QR codes for relief funds were displayed and acceptance speeches mentioned the disaster. However, the event’s handling of the tragedy felt superficial.
The show opened with a performance of “I Love L.A.” featuring various artists, alongside images of the fire’s destruction. This attempt at hope and uplift seemed to minimize the true horror of the situation. With many still displaced and facing the dangers of toxic ash, the Grammys’ approach felt naive, even showcasing a segment with fire victims unprotected by safety gear.
The awards show continued with its typical glitz and glamour, interspersed with brief mentions of the fires. A performance by Stevie Wonder with children who lost their schools in the fires was touching, but the context wasn’t revealed until after the song. Even the acknowledgment of firefighters felt rushed, squeezed in during the final moments of the broadcast.
This mix of celebration and suffering created an awkward atmosphere for presenters and performers. Charli XCX’s lively performance felt jarring against the backdrop of the ongoing crisis.
The Grammys raised over $7 million for fire relief, yet the question remains whether holding the event so soon after the tragedy was appropriate. Perhaps a dedicated benefit concert would have been more fitting. The event highlighted the difficulty of balancing entertainment with genuine empathy after such a devastating event.
Only Diana Ross, while presenting the Song of the Year award, seemed to strike the right tone. She expressed heartfelt sympathy for the victims, especially the children.
Her thoughtful words about balancing celebration and sorrow were a stark contrast to the rest of the evening. Perhaps the Grammys could have learned from her example.