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2022 Grammy Awards' Fate Hangs In The Balance As Omicron Spreads

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Los Angeles, CA – The 64th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on January 31, but rumors of its postponement are flying around online. The latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has already wreaked havoc on New York City and cases are reportedly exploding in Los Angeles county. Originally reported by The Daily Mail late last month, an inside source said the annual award ceremony could possibly be moved to February or March.

Now Billboard is echoing those early predictions. On Monday (January 4), the outlet claimed a source close to the situation said a postponement is “looking likely,” which would mark the second time the Grammy Awards have been rescheduled due to the pandemic. The 2021 event was moved from January 31 to March 14 after Los Angeles experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases.

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Comedian Trevor Noah, who hosted last year’s Grammys, is expected to reprise his role, while a roster of artists are tasked with performing. When reached for comment on December 30, a Recording Academy spokesperson told HipHopDX, “As we continue to prepare for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards, we are closely monitoring Federal and Local health and safety direction. As of right now the show is still scheduled to take place on January 31st. Should that change we will reach out to all of our members for more information.”

Los Angeles county is currently experiencing a massive surge. According to the Los Angeles Times, California’s reported average daily coronavirus caseload has “more than quadrupled” in the last two weeks. As L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said, “We are, in fact, experiencing the worst of a surge at the moment with the rising number of cases.”

On January 1, the Recording Academy tweeted the Grammys were still happening, leaving no indication they are planning on canceling: “Happy New Year! The #GRAMMYs happen this month. Jan. 31st on @CBS!”

DX has reached out to the Recording Academy for further comment.