2022 Grammys Postponed Amidst Omicron Scare

2022 Grammys Postponed: The 64th Grammy Awards show, which was scheduled to be held on January 31 at the newly named Crypto.com Arena, has been postponed. The decision was taken by the organisers considering the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases and the new coronavirus variant Omicron. The nominations for the awards were released on November 23 last year.

The Recording Academy, who announced the nominations, also put out a statement on January 5, revealing that the music awards show, to be held in Los Angeles, has been postponed until further notice. The statement said that Grammy organisers Academy and CBS had decided the delay awards "after careful consideration."

"After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th Grammy Awards Show. The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience and the hundreds who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31st simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music's Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon," read the joint statement by the Academy and CBS.

Suggested Reading: As Omicron Knocks On Our Doors, We Need To Prioritise Mental Wellbeing

Reportedly, setting the next date for hosting the show at the venue is complicated considering the two professional basketball teams and a hockey team occupying the arena. No mention by the organisation has been made on the rescheduled date.

The announcement came at the same time as the Sundance Film Festival's cancellation of in-person programs which was supposed to begin on January 20. It has been shifted to an online format.

Last year too the Grammys were postponed due to coronavirus concerns. From late January, the ceremony was moved to mid-March. Even after being rescheduled, the show was held with a spare audience and was only attended by nominees and their guests. It was held around the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is next door to Staples Center.

Jon Batiste is the leading nominee for this year's honours and has been nominated for many prominent sections like Album of the Year and Record of the Year for We Are and Freedom, respectively, amongst others. The other notable nominees include Doja Cat, Justin Bieber and H.E.R.