The star-studded FireAid concerts raised $100 million for wildfire relief efforts last week while the Grammy Awards weekend brought in $24 million for similar efforts, organizers announced Tuesday.
FireAid, which featured more than 30 acts including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, and a surprise Nirvana reunion, took place at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Thursday.
In addition to fans inside the arenas, FireAid was seen by about 50 million viewers on 28 different streaming platforms, all of which offered viewers a chance to donate as they watched.
The $100 million estimate announced Tuesday included sales of tickets and merchandise, sponsorships, large donations by artists such as the Eagles and U2 who did not perform, and contributions from the Irving Azoff family, Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman, and more.
The Los Angeles Clippers, whose home is Intuit Dome, covered operating costs. Steve and Connie Balmer, who own the Clippers and their arena, matched every pledge made during the broadcast of FireAid.
The FireAid Grants Advisory Committee, which is led by the Annenberg Foundation and consists of leaders in the Los Angeles region philanthropic and non-profit communities, is working to determine where the FireAid funds can have the most impact, according to a news release from the organizers. The initial round of grants is expected in mid-February.
In the wake of the wildfires that killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes, businesses and other structures in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena, the Recording Academy which runs the Grammy Awards pivoted from its usual celebration to a combination of awards show and wildfire telethon.
Host Trevor Noah reminded viewers throughout the broadcast on Sunday to donate to wildfire relief efforts. On Tuesday, the Recording Academy posted on the social media platform X that the Grammy Awards had raised $9 million.
Other Grammys events held over the weekend, including the annual MusiCares Persons of the Year gala held Friday in honor of the Grateful Dead, added more to the funds raised through Grammys events for a total of $24 million.