How The 2025 Grammys Raised Funds For L.A. Wildfire Reliefs

Beyond just music, the 2025 Grammy Awards turned into a moving ode to Los Angeles and a rallying cry for disaster assistance. The event turned into a potent fundraising initiative when the city was still in the wake of the disastrous fires that raged through January. During the four-hour program, there were memorable performances, prizes were given out, and, as host Trevor Noah revealed near the close of the show, an astounding $7 million was raised for relief efforts.

The gala, which honored the tenacity of Angelenos impacted by the fires, brought together musicians, actresses, and celebrities at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The evening was full of heartfelt remembrances, amazing music, and a group effort to help those in need.

An Opening Celebration for L.A.

In his opening monologue, Trevor Noah set the tone by praising the city’s resilience. The night began with the folk-rock group Dawes performing a special rendition of Randy Newman’s classic song “I Love L.A.” However, this was no ordinary performance; Grammy-winning musicians Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent joined Dawes, making it the most significant performance of their career.

For Dawes, this moment was deeply personal. The band, led by brothers, Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, suffered major losses in the fires. Griffin’s home in Altadena, one of the hardest-hit areas, was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. Backstage, he shared the reality of the devastation:

“One thing that’s hard to convey to anyone who isn’t there is the level of destruction and how total it is in Altadena,” Griffin told reporters. “It’s immense and it’s hard to tell just from the pictures we’re seeing online how massive the toll is.”

Dawes’ emotional performance was just the beginning of an evening that balanced musical celebration with a deep sense of purpose.

Music with a Mission

Throughout the show, the wildfire relief efforts remained at the forefront. Communities devastated by the fires, including Palisades and Altadena, were mentioned frequently in speeches. Local businesses impacted by the disaster were featured in commercials, and performers made heartfelt dedications to L.A.

Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan both professed their love for L.A. after their performances early in the night. Later, Kendrick Lamar dedicated his Record of the Year win to the neighborhoods that raised him, showing just how much the city means to its artists.

“Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley, Pacoima, San Bernardino, all that,” Lamar said. “This is my neck of the woods, that held me down … since I was in the studio scraping to write the best raps and all that, in order to do records like these. So I can’t give enough thanks to these places that I’ve rolled around since high school. Most importantly, the people and the families out in the Palisades and Altadena. This is the true testament that we can continue to restore the city.”

Another highlight was a special tribute to the late Quincy Jones, who passed away in November. Living legends Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock took the stage for a moving performance, joined by choirs from Pasadena Waldorf School and Palisades Charter High School—both schools deeply affected by the fires. The students wore sweatshirts imprinted with “L.A.” over a red heart, a symbol of love and unity.

A Night of Giving Back

The Grammy organizers ensured that giving back was a key part of the night. Early in the show, Trevor Noah launched a QR code on-screen, encouraging viewers to donate. The QR code reappeared throughout the event, with Noah acknowledging major donors who stepped up to help.

But the most emotional moment came at the end of the night. Before Beyoncé was awarded Album of the Year, members of the L.A. County Fire Department took the stage. The audience erupted in a standing ovation as L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone and Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh addressed the crowd.

“Wow, thank you,” Marrone began, his voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you for supporting all of us and recognizing the heroes standing behind me, and the she-roes. … I am confident that we will recover and we will rebuild together because we are L.A. strong.”

It was a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of first responders who risked everything to save lives and protect the city.

Not the Usual Grammy Awards Show

The Grammy Awards this year were not like any other. Even though it’s traditionally one of the most important nights in Los Angeles, the ceremony in 2025 had a deeper significance. It turned into a night of recovery, encouragement, and fortitude, demonstrating that music is a unifying power that transcends just amusement.

Nearly 3,000 music professionals impacted by the fires have already received over $4 million in emergency relief, according to a statement from MusiCares and the Recording Academy. They are dedicated to restoring the city and assisting individuals in need, collaborating with Direct Relief, the California Community Foundation, and the Pasadena Community Foundation.

The fact that so many pre-Grammy events were either postponed or reorganized to concentrate on relief operations demonstrated how strongly the music business supported L.A.

By the conclusion of the evening, it was evident that Los Angeles and its music scene were stronger than ever.