Firefighters who Battled Historic CA Wildfires Honored at Grammys
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A group of firefighters, who battled the historic California wildfires last month, were applauded as they walked on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards ceremony Sunday night.
Musicians honored the firefighters and remembered the victims of the massive wildfires.
The final award of the night -- the album of the year -- was presented by Los Angeles County firefighters, some of whom lost their homes to the wildfires.
Organizers said the ceremony was part awards show and part fundraiser for people affected by the wildfires, which were finally contained on Friday after more than three weeks, according to ABS-CBN.
Hundreds of musicians were among the thousands of Angelenos who lost homes in the disaster.
In between performances, Trevor Noah, the host, reminded viewers that they could donate to MusiCares Fire Relief by scanning the QR code that was featured on screen throughout the telecast. Later on in the evening, he announced that the show had raised $7 million from viewers watching at home, The Orange County Register reported.
Additionally, local businesses impacted by the fires were spotlighted. During commercial breaks, many were given airtime.
Halfway through the show, Noah reminded viewers of the devastation the Palisades and Eaton fires had caused in the communities of Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena. It also showcased the hope of how the city has come together.
The video montage then led into a performance from Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars of “California Dreamin',” paying tribute to Los Angeles. Just a few days prior Lady Gaga was one of the many artists that took part in FireAid, a benefit concert to raise money for those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Lady Gaga closed out the show with a new song, “All I Need is Time,” which she wrote just for the City of Angels.
At the end of the Quincy Jones tribute performance, Stevie Wonder was joined by student singers from Pasadena Waldorf School in Altadena and Palisades Charter High School, both of which had burned down during the Palisades and Eaton fire. The students wore shirts with a red heart and “LA” written on them as they performed “We Are the World.”
Members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department were brought on stage to present the final award for the night, album of the year. They were met with a standing ovation.
Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone took the moment to thank first responders who came from near and far to help protect Los Angeles from the wildfires. “I am confident that we will rebuild together because we are L.A. strong."
