By J1 Reporter Isabella Hayes

The Grammy Awards, broadcast globally each February, showcases a star-studded event filled with dazzling performances and prestigious accolades. This year, however, the awards show went beyond being a form of entertainment — its powerful platform was used to raise millions of dollars for relief of the tragic L.A. wildfires. 

On the evening of Sunday, Feb. 2, host Trevor Noah took the stage and repeatedly reminded both the in-person audience and those watching from home about the catastrophic effects of the L.A. fires. Throughout the broadcast, QR codes and aid-related resources were provided, encouraging contributions.

Commercial segments highlighted local businesses and California residents who had lost their homes and livelihoods. Junior Hayden Blaney, who closely watched this year’s Grammys, believes this exposure “will help small businesses get back on their feet.”

Viewers far and wide had mixed reactions on the relief campaign and its effectiveness. “I think [celebrity involvement] is huge; there are lots of people who will do something because an artist they like said to,” Blaney said. However, she also found it surprising that “the [at-home] audience kept being asked to donate while the event was in a room full of billionaires.”

As the show progressed, performances by artists including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers paid emotional tributes to the city. Various stars proudly proclaimed, “I love L.A.” and urged fans to donate to fire aid organizations.

Towards the end of the evening, members of the L.A. Fire Department were honored onstage and given the chance to present the most anticipated award of the night: Album of the Year. “I liked that they had firefighters come out and present the award,” Blaney said. “It was such an impactful thing. I might have teared up.”

By the end of the night, Noah announced that a whopping $7 million had been collected for fire relief. Yet it did not end there; donations kept pouring in throughout the following weeks.

 The Grammys’ use of its influence for a charitable cause sparked questions of whether other televised events should follow suit.

Junior Attley Freeman, who did not personally watch the Grammys but heard of its impact on the L.A. community, said, “I wish more major events in popular culture would do this,” and that “it’s very effective because they have a loud voice and millions of fans.”

Ultimately, the Grammy Awards demonstrated the effectiveness of entertainment and popular culture as forces for good. The collective efforts of artists, performers and viewers alike made a difference in California fire recovery.