N.Y. Times: Grammy Awards Poised To Return For 60th Anniversary In New York In 2018?

Grammys: Headed To New York?

The GRAMMHY AWARDS may be headed back to NEW YORK CITY's MADISON SQUARE GARDEN for the first time since 2003 for its 60th anniversary, according to a report in the NEW YORK TIMES. 

The decision caps months of talks between MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO's administration and THE RECORDING ACADEMY — an effort that included last-minute fund-raising from local business leaders.

The last time the GRAMMY AWARDS were held in NEW YORK was 2003. The ceremony went back to L.A. the following year, and has not returned since.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY has said that producing the awards in NEW YORK costs several million dollars over what it cost in L.A.

A formal announcement, which will take place at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, is expected to be made in the coming weeks by MAYOR DE BLASIO.

“This is going to be incredible for this city,” said GLASSNOTE RECORDS' DANIEL GLASS, a member of the GRAMMYS host committee.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY's NEDA AZARFAR said in a statement: “We’re thrilled THE RECORDING ACADEMY is in extensive discussions to return the GRAMMY AWARDS to N.Y.C.” 

On WEDNESDAY, THE RECORDING ACADEMY and the MAYOR'S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT will host a dinner in NEW YORK to “discuss the return of the GRAMMYS,” according to an invitation sent to the host committee members.

The city plays no formal role in hosting the event; no public money or tax incentives were granted as part of enticing the show to return, according to CITY HALL officials.

Sponsors like ADIDAS have emerged to help with the added costs of putting the GRAMMY AWARDS on in NEW YORK.

A report on the 2014 GRAMMYS revealed $82 million in direct benefits to LOS ANGELES from the AWARDSW. The report estimated more than $100 million in additional indirect spending related to hosting the ceremony.

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