This year’s Grammys are taking place after the widespread wildfire destruction in Los Angeles. Accordingly, much of the music community’s attention is being focused on using the celebration to elevate relief efforts — including on the red carpet.
Celebrities are adding a blue pin to their red carpet outfits, which represent MusiCares fire relief fundraising for music industry professionals. The pins are in the shape of a pale blue heart embossed with music notes. Jacob Collier, Brittany Howard, Green Day’s Mike Dirnt and Jaden Smith have appeared on the red carpet sporting the pin.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a more important time for music than right now. It has alchemic properties and can cut through all the defenses we have as people to heal us in a very specific way. I’m so proud and honored to be here at the Grammys. The Grammys have never stood for more to pivot to support the people in need right now with these crazy fires. It’s a really inspiring thing to witness,” Collier told Variety on the red carpet.
“The MusiCares blue heart pin symbolizes the massive support being organized by the Recording Academy and our partners to help communities devastated by the Southern California wildfires,” a statement from the Recording Academy and MusiCares said.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares recently created the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support and fundraise for those in the music industry impacted by the fires. The organizations donated a combined $1 million contribution toward the fundraiser in its launch, and it continues to accept donations online.
Over $4 million has been distributed to almost 3,000 impacted music community members, according to the organizations’ statement.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares are also partnering with the California Community Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation and Direct Relief on wildfire relief.
The Grammy awards ceremony will incorporate fundraising for the wildfire relief efforts throughout tonight’s broadcast. The ceremony follows last Thursday’s FireAid concert, which featured some of tonight’s nominees. Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish sang in the fundraising effort for wildfire relief and recovery along with several other musicians and artists.
MusiCares is a charity organization that provides resources for members of the music industry.