The 67th Grammy Awards took on a new purpose Sunday night, transforming into a celebration of Los Angeles’ resilience as the region grapples with devastating wildfires.
Held at Crypto.com Arena, the ceremony opened on a hopeful note, honoring first responders and the music community’s strength in the face of disaster.
A Tribute to LA’s Spirit
The show kicked off with a stirring performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”, led by Dawes—whose members were directly impacted by the Eaton fire—and joined by John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, and St. Vincent.
Host Trevor Noah dedicated his opening speech to those affected, promising a night that not only celebrates music but also honors “the city that brought us so much of that music.”
In support of local communities, Grammy organizers set aside ad time for businesses impacted by the fires, providing a platform for recovery efforts.
Billie Eilish’s Emotional Salute to LA
With a stage designed to resemble the LA mountains, Billie Eilish—born and raised in the city—performed “Birds of a Feather” alongside her brother and collaborator, Finneas.
At the end of her set, she turned to the audience and declared, “We love you, LA.”
A Heartbreaking Look at the Wildfire Devastation
In a powerful moment, the Grammys aired a montage showcasing the destruction caused by the wildfires, featuring footage of flames engulfing neighborhoods and residents sifting through the remnants of their homes and schools.
“We’re going to need each other. We’re going to need everyone. Knowing we’re not alone makes all the difference,” a voiceover narrated, closing out the emotional segment.
Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga Sing for California
Though from Hawaii and New York, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga took to the stage to honor California, performing a mournful rendition of The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’.”
As the final notes faded, Gaga looked out into the crowd and said, “We love you, California.”
The performance was part of a dedicated segment raising awareness and funds for wildfire relief efforts, reinforcing the night’s overarching message—music as a force of unity, healing, and hope.