The 66th edition of the Grammys kicks off at the Cripto.com Arena in Los Angeles under pouring rain, which prompted California governor Gavin Newsom to extend the red alert for bad weather to the entire county.
“Storms can change quickly, but let me be clear: This storm is a very serious weather event,” Mayor Karen Bass said during a news conference.
“It has the potential to become a historic storm, with strong winds, thunderstorms and even small tornadoes,” Bass added.
According to meteorologists, the water bomb that is falling on southern California will be particularly intense in the Los Angeles area and could persist in the days to come.
Up to 20 centimeters of rain are expected on the coast and in the valley, while it could even snow in the mountains around the metropolis.
The unusual weather for the entertainment mecca has complicated the preparation of the music Oscars, awarded every year by the Recording Academy.
But the show must go on.
The stars are parading on the red carpet in DownTown with looks designed for a much sunnier and milder climate, while inside the arena some preliminary prizes have already been awarded.
The main ceremony begins at 5pm (2am in Italy) and will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
The artists with the most nominations are all women: Sza is in the running for nine awards;
Phoebe Bridgers and Victoria Monét have seven nominations;
Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus have six, as does the only man in the running for the top prizes, Jon Batiste.
The Recording Academy has reduced the number of nominees from 10 to eight in the four main categories of album, record (which goes to production and studio engineers), song and best new artist of the year.
The star of the evening, for the fourth consecutive year, will be the comedian, author, podcaster and television host TrevorNoah.
Among the artists who will perform on stage there will also be 80-year-old Joni Mitchell for the first time.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA