The Recording Academy and CBS released a joint statement announcing that they will be postponing the 64th GRAMMY Awards due to the rapid proliferation of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus.
The two companies released a statement saying, “After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy® and CBS have postponed the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards® Show. The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music’s Biggest Night® on a future date, which will be announced soon.”
Nominees for the 64th Grammy Awards were announced back in November. Stars like J. Cole, Drake, Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Olivia Rodrigo, and more received multiple nods. Jon Batiste leads all nominees with 11 nominations.
The Best Rap Album features a particularly stacked pool of nominees, which includes J. Cole for The Off-Season, Drake with Certified Lover Boy, Nas with King’s Disease II, Kanye West for DONDA, and Tyler, the Creator for Call Me If You Get Lost. DMX also received a nomination for his song, “Bath Salts,” which features Jay-Z and Nas.
Record of the Year nominees include ABBA, Jon Batiste, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Brandi Carlile, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, and Silk Sonic.
Album of The Year contenders are Jon Batiste (We Are), Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga (Love For Sale), Justin Bieber (Justice [Triple Chucks Deluxe]) Doja Cat (Planet Her), Billie Eilish (Happier Than Ever), H.E.R. (Back of My Mind), Lil Nas X (Montero, Olivia Rodrigo (Sour), Taylor Swift (Evermore), and Kanye West (DONDA).
Visit the official GRAMMY website for more information.