Confirming published reports, the Recording Academy has announced that the 2021 Grammys have been postponed. The event, previously scheduled for 1/31 in Los Angeles, is now slated for 3/14. (A prior release said 3/21.)

This is not unexpected given the huge surge of COVID in Los Angeles County, where hospitals are overrun and hotels closed for nonessential travel. TV and film production has also been suspended.

Though a limited, COVID-friendly version of the trophyfest was already in process, postponement is widely viewed as a prudent decision.

Recording Academy chairman and interim chief Harvey Mason Jr., CBS exec Jack Sussman and Executive Producer Ben Winston issued the following joint statement:

After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our network partner, CBS, our host, and artists scheduled to appear, we have made the decision to postpone the 63rd GRAMMY Awards to March 14, 2021. The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, where hospital services have been overwhelmed and ICUs have reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show.

We want to thank all of the talented artists, the staff, our vendors, and especially this year's nominees for their understanding, patience, and willingness to work with us as we navigate these unprecedented times. The show will go on and we will unite and heal through music by celebrating excellence and saluting this year’s outstanding nominees.

Stay tuned for updates.