The Los Angeles wildfires that began Jan. 7 have since been fully contained, but it left many residents out of homes and jobs.
Many organizations formed amid the devastation to help rebuild the city and residents in need and the music industry has played a big role.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards were hosted on schedule Feb. 2, despite previous discussions of a possible postponement. Before the event, the Recording Academy posted on its Instagram stating, “The entire GRAMMY family is shocked and deeply saddened by the situation that is unfolding in Los Angeles.” The Recording Academy partnered with MusiCares to pledge $1 million through the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort.
The efforts to donate money to the cause continued during the awards. Host Trevor Noah continually reminded viewers at home to scan the onscreen QR code to donate any sum to the recovery efforts. QR codes were also included at every celebrity table and guest seat.
According to Billboard, the ceremony helped raise almost $9 million dollars on Sunday. The Recording Academy and MusiCares also raised $24 million over the course of the entire Grammy weekend, according to the article.
Artists like Kendrick Lamar dedicated their awards to Los Angeles.
“This is a true testament that we are going to continue to restore this city,” Lamar said.
A special tribute was paid to the Los Angeles Fire Department toward the end of the ceremony. A group of members came on stage to announce the winner of Album of the Year.
“As fire chief, I would like to take this opportunity to thank first responders that came from near and far to battle this wildfire siege,” fire chief Anthony Marrone said
On Jan. 30, Fire Aid LA utilized the music industry to raise money by hosting a benefit concert. Performers such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day and Tate McRae united to raise over $100 million for the cause.
Fire Aid LA and MusiCares continue to host events and efforts to raise money for those tragically affected by the LA fires, and in hopes LA can rebuild back to the city many people call home.
