LOS ANGELES—For many, last weekend's 67th Grammy Awards felt like a return to normalcy after a tumultuous start to the year. But to residents of Los Angeles—which is still recovering from January's devastating wildfires—the ceremony was a chance to celebrate the power of events to bring people together, generate hope, and raise crucial funds. Here are some moments we (and several event producer friends we chatted with!) loved from this year's show.
The fundraising elements
Throughout the ceremony, host Trevor Noah, along with several presenters, urged audiences to support MusiCares Fire Relief—a collaborative fundraiser launched by the Recording Academy and MusiCares in partnership with Direct Relief, the California Community Foundation, and the Pasadena Community Foundation that's helping expand wildfire relief efforts across the broader Los Angeles community. By the end of the three-and-a-half-hour show, more than $9 million had been raised.“One of my favorite aspects of the Grammys this year was seeing the event serve as a powerful fundraiser,” Shakira Johnson, founder and chief impact officer of social impact firm Maple & Monroe, told BizBash. “Without this initiative, the event could have come off as tone-deaf and frivolous, given the ongoing crises. Instead, it had meaning and purpose—proving once again that social impact is the new PR. This is how major events can use their platform for real change!” 
The ceremony took place on Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena. Music's biggest stars—like Alicia Keys, who was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award—posed on the red carpet in front of the MusiCares Fire Relief logo.Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Free ad space for affected businesses
“I thought it was so touching and smart that ad space was given to local businesses affected by LA wildfires,” pointed out Liz Kamiel, vice president of business development at Sequence Events. One of those companies was Orla Floral Studio, an event florist whose home and Altadena-based studio burned down during the Eaton fire. The woman-owned business filmed a commercial with musician Doja Cat that aired during the broadcast. We love to see it!The thoughtful acknowledgments of victims and first responders
Wildfire victims and first responders were also featured in other ways throughout the show. “I truly appreciated the balance the show struck between honoring the difficult circumstances and celebrating music,” said Yvonne McNair, chief experience officer at Captivate Productions. “The producers thoughtfully shared the stories of California residents and business owners who lost everything in the LA fires, while also showcasing a diverse celebration of music and artistry.”McNair believes that beyond providing jobs, events like the Grammys are crucial for offering hope and inspiration during challenging times. “As the first major award show after such devastation, I had confidence that the Grammys would get it right—and they certainly did,” she noted. “They used the platform not only to entertain but also to inspire and give back.” 
The evening kicked off with a rendition of "I Love L.A." by the music duo Dawes. (The song took on an even deeper meaning for the band, as both members have been profoundly affected by the wildfires—Griffin Goldsmith lost his home, while he and his brother Taylor also had their childhood home, their parents' home, and nearly all of their instruments destroyed in the fires.) Joining them onstage was a star-studded ensemble of Grammy-winning artists including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The performances
McNair also praised the night’s performances, including Trevor Noah’s hosting, which she calls an “effortless blend of humor and empathy.” She added: “The opening performance felt like a love letter to LA, and the tribute to first responders was incredibly moving,” she said. “Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars delivered a flawless performance, and the production—simple yet powerful—was deeply touching.”Alicia Jenelle, director of experiential event production for The Jenelle Group Inc., called out Best Rap Album winner Doechii’s performance in particular. “That was something special. From an event production perspective, it wasn’t just a performance—it was an immersive experience that hit all the right notes (literally and figuratively),” she said. 
“The transition into Doechii’s set felt effortless, keeping the momentum of the night strong. Great event flow is all about pacing, and this was seamless,” added Jenelle. “Every detail—the lighting, the set design, the camerawork—was dialed in to not just showcase the music, but to create an emotional journey for the audience.”Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
"We cannot let the laser designer/operator during The Weeknd's performance go unnoticed. Unsung hero!" added Dylan Shinholser, owner of entertainment company RedShoe Presents in Dallas.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The emphasis on inclusive storytelling
The wildfires weren't the only serious topic weighing on attendees'—and viewers’—minds throughout the show. “In contrast to the current social climate, the producers were still able to deliver a world-building experience that made it safe for authentic and inclusive storytelling to take place,” pointed out Marc LeJay, senior creative strategist at XD Agency. He called out powerful moments like Doechii’s acceptance speech recognizing Black female rappers; Chappell Roan’s speech about poor working conditions for artists; Alicia Keys’ “DEI is not a threat—it’s a gift” line; Beyoncé’s statement that “genre is a code word to keep us in our place"; and Lady Gaga’s reminder that “trans people are not invisible.”“Experiences bring people together and cultivate a sense of belonging, community, and connection,” he added. “As experience designers, we have a moral authority to protect those spaces and give every attendee psychological safety to be themselves—especially in a world where diversity is being forced into the shadows. We watched that happen at the Grammys.”
The importance of listening to feedback
The Grammy Awards have had their fair share of criticism over the years, particularly when it comes to racial inclusion—and for Melissa Jones Clark, vice president of marketing at Meeting Tomorrow, this year's show marked a major improvement. "The CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., illustrated the transformational power of feedback when shaping future events," she said. "Critics called out a lack of transparency and diversity, and he listened and responded. The result was a better program and increased trust from the music community. Even The Weekend returned after his years-long boycott."The GlamBOT
On a lighter note: What’s an award show red carpet without the now-infamous GlamBOT? “Cole Walliser is the director of photography behind the magic, and it is an only mild exaggeration to say he is the most popular person at every award show,” said John Pistotti, business development manager at BCD Meetings & Events. “Not only does the camera movement and super-fast frame rate harness the technology to capture a stunning moment, but Cole also helps direct the celebrities to hit their mark and nail the cue.”All things Beyoncé
From her instantly meme-able reaction to winning Best Country Album to her long-overdue Album of the Year win—which got the entire crowd on their feet—seeing this superstar finally get her dues was the stuff of award show magic. The icing on the cake? Seeing members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department on hand to present the award.
The night's biggest award was presented by Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone and Captain Sheila Kelliher.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyThe adjacent events
While most brands canceled their typical big-budget Grammy weekend events out of respect for the wildfire victims, we loved seeing others carry on with renewed fundraising elements.According to CNN, in fact, an estimated $15 million was raised at Grammy-related events last weekend—not to mention an additional $100 million and counting as a result of the Jan. 30 FireAid concert, which featured performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Gwen Stefani, Green Day and Pink; the benefit concerts garnered more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms. Scroll down to see some highlights from the week's events! 
The 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year event—a Grammy weekend staple—honored The Grateful Dead at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 31. The event had a "colorful black tie" dress code and celebrated The Grateful Dead's six-decade legacy of music, philanthropy, and community spirit—while also raising record-breaking funds for MusiCares' mission and Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Honoree Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead accepted the 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year award onstage. Throughout the night, QR codes soliciting contributions appeared not only on screens, but also on the cardstock handout left on each table seat. Attendees could also participate in Julien's Auctions and MusiCares' Charity Relief Auction, through which they could bid on one-of-a-kind music memorabilia, including the suit Jerry Garcia wore on the cover of the Dead's 1980 studio album, Go to Heaven (valued between $10,000 and $20,000), and other items from stars like Dua Lipa, Stevie Nicks, and Bruce Springsteen.Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The MusiCares gala nodded to the Dead's quintessential tie-dye and other defining imagery; there were also several Dead-themed dishes, including a "Friend of the Devil's Food Cake." Artists like Norah Jones, Zac Brown, Noah Kahan, John Mayer, and Dwight Yoakam (pictured) performed tributes to the band.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Another standout event came from Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who hosted his sixth annual Jam for Janie event and live auction at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium. The Grammys viewing party supported Tyler's charity, Janie's Fund—and new this year, also supported the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter's Fund.Photo: Line 8 Photography
The event was produced by 15|40 Productions in partnership with V Productions. The team draped the venue in hunter green velvet with faux brick walls, vintage sconces, and carefully curated period furniture to create a moody speakeasy feel. There were also 70 framed photos of Tyler and Janie’s Fund moments, collaged with ornate mirrors, custom-built shadow boxes featuring candid shots of Tyler, and pepper branch trees adorned with floating lamps at the entrance. A 12-foot muslin-wrapped auction wall featuring exclusive memorabilia, including an Aerosmith guitar and musician jewelry. Floral Crush Studio handled flowers for the evening.Photo: Line 8 Photography
The Janie's Fund event featured performances by Steven Tyler, Mick Fleetwood, Chris Robinson, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Lainey Wilson, Linda Perry, and more.Photo: Line 8 Photography
The night before the Grammys, Clive Davis hosted his annual Clive pre-Grammy event at The Beverly Hilton, honoring Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group. The milestone 50th anniversary celebration—which featured performances from the likes of Barry Manilow—also served as a fundraiser for MusiCares. The typically glamorous affair got scaled back a bit; producers eliminated the red carpet, for example, out of respect for wildfire victims.Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Other performers at the Clive Davis event included Joni Mitchell, Shaboozey, Benson Boone, and Metallica.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Grammys Premiere Ceremony—the daytime event prior to the main telecast where additional awards are handed out—took place at the Peacock Theater and was hosted by Grammy nominee Justin Tranter. To kick off the ceremony, which also raised funds for MusiCares, the opening number featured a performance by nominees Yolanda Adams, Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Scott Hoying, Angélique Kidjo, and Taj Mahal.Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
During the Premiere Ceremony, Kacey Musgraves accepted the award for Best Country Song for "The Architect." The event, which was streamed live on The Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and website, was produced by Branden Chapman, Ruby Marchand, Lindsay Saunders Carl, and Rex Supa on behalf of The Recording Academy. Greg V. Fera was the executive producer, and Cheche Alara was the music producer and music director.Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
After several reschedules, GBK Brand Bar was able to host its Critics’ Choice Award Lounge—in combination with their Grammy Lounge—throughout the weekend. The brand announced a partnership with Americares; in addition to a luxury gifting experience, celebrities had the opportunity to pack hygiene and cleaning kits on site that will be distributed to individuals affected by the wildfires. The event took place at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.Photo: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar
The Critics’ Choice & Grammy Awards Lounge drew stars like Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Casey Affleck, and more.Photo: Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar
Media and tech company Gamma worked with MVA Experiential on an after-party celebrating music’s game-changers—while also raising funds for fire relief efforts.Photo: Robiee Ziegler
The event was held at Hollywood’s member-only hotspot Living Room, and featured a musical performance by Kaytranada.Photo: Robiee Ziegler
Guests included Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lopez, Billie Eilish, and Leonard DiCaprio, who sipped on Still G.I.N. in the candlelit lounge.Photo: Robiee Ziegler
