The 2021 Grammys, scheduled for Jan. 31, have been postponed due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, Billboard can confirm.
According to a report from Rolling Stone, the Recording Academy is eyeing a new date in March, which would put the show one month before the 93rd annual Academy Awards, now set to air April 25 from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Holiday gatherings have caused a surge in COVID-19 cases, nationally and especially in Los Angeles, which is now considered the epicenter of the pandemic. Staples Center in Los Angeles has been the home of the Grammys for all but two years since 2000 — though due to the confusion of recent months, Grammy organizers never confirmed that the show was to be held at Staples, saying only it would be held in “downtown Los Angeles.” That could have meant Staples, the adjacent (and much smaller) Microsoft Theater or outdoors on city streets.
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on awards shows in the past year. The CMA Awards made an effort to do an in-person show in November, seating just a few people at each table, with guests attempting to socially distance. Despite all the show’s safety protocols, country legend Charley Pride died of COVID-19 one month after he performed at the show. Though it’s not known if his appearance at the show had anything to do with his death — he tested negative days later, after returning home to Texas — it raised questions about whether live awards shows are possible or advisable until this public health nightmare is under control.
Beyoncé is this year’s nominations leader with nine nominations, followed by Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Roddy Ricch with six nods each.
The first five Grammy telecasts, from 1971-75, aired in March, but the show has aired in January or February in recent decades. This would be the first time since 1995 that the show has aired in March.
