The 66th Grammy Awards saw a 9% decline in viewership, with 15.4 million viewers tuning in compared to 17 million in 2024. The ceremony, broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, marked the end of a three-year streak of increasing viewership that began in 2021 during the pandemic.

Despite featuring performances from artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, the lower ratings were anticipated due to the devastating LA wildfires. The Grammy organization opted to focus on relief efforts rather than extensive marketing, with several pre and post-show events being canceled.

The ceremony proved highly successful in fundraising, generating over $24 million for wildfire relief efforts. This total included:

• $9 million raised during the Grammy ceremony
• Proceeds from MusiCares' annual tribute concert honoring The Grateful Dead
• Contributions from the Clive Davis pre-Grammy Gala

The show highlighted emergency workers' efforts and featured stories of fire-affected LA businesses and residents. LA-based band Dawes, who lost their homes and equipment in the fires, opened the ceremony with Randy Newman's "I Love L.A.," later released as a benefit single.

The LA wildfires resulted in:

• 29 fatalities
• 16,000 destroyed homes and buildings
• Estimated $250 billion in damages and economic losses

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