John Legend, Sheryl Crow and More Perform in Tribute to Los Angeles at 2025 Grammys in the Wake of Destructive Fires

Mar. 15, 2025

Brittany Howard and Taylor Goldsmith of DAWES in 2025.Photo:Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

Stars are coming together to support Los Angeles at the2025 Grammy Awards.

HostTrevor Noahkicked off the show at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2 with a powerful monologue about the ongoingL.A. fires— and Dawes,John Legend,Brad Paisley,Brittany Howard,Dawes,Sheryl CrowandSt. Vincentperformed in tribute to the city.

“What’s unusual are our circumstances this evening. Just a few weeks ago, we weren’t sure tonight that this show would even happen,” Noah said about the fires, which have killed dozens of people and destroyed thousands of structures since Jan. 7.

“Thankfully, due to the heroic efforts of firefighters, the fires have now been contained, and despite all the devastation, the spirit of the city has emerged,” the comedian continued, describing how L.A. residents banded together.

Noah, 40, also spoke about what Los Angeles means to the many musicians who hail from there. “L.A. is whereBillie Eilish and Phineasturned a small bedroom in Highland Park into a Grammy Award-winning studio.”

“The real clubs of L.A. inspiredChappell Roanto create the anthem that is ‘Pink Pony Club.’ It was here in Los Angeles thatStevie Wonderwrote and recorded arguably the greatest album of all time,Songs in the Key of Life. L.A. was the city whereSnoopfirst mixed gin and juice and hip hop has never been the same.”

Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, St. Vincent, Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, Brad Paisley, and John Legend in 2025.Kevin Winter/Getty

“So to kick off tonight’s show in a really special way, allow me to tell you about a band that has LA in their DNA,” the emcee continued before introducing the band Dawes.

“Taylorand Griffin Goldsmith are two brothers born and raised in the city, who make up the band doors. They, like so many others, have lost so much in these fires. Griffin’s home, their childhood home, their home music studio, and almost all of their instruments.”

Legend, Paisley, Howard, Dawes, Crow and St. Vincent then performed Randy Newman’s hit “I Love L.A.”

Trevor Noah in 2025.CBS

CBS

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the Recording Academy announced that “touching tributes celebrating the spirit of the city of Los Angeles” would be part of this year’s Grammys.

“In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals,” they explained. “Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need — and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing assistance.”

Los Angeles, California on January 2025.Anadolu via Getty

Anadolu via Getty

The Recording Academy said the ceremony would “carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

Concluding the statement, the organization added, “In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The GRAMMYs will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”

The Grammys are broadcasting live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on CBS or stream them live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

source: people.com