MusiCares replaces Person of the Year gala with new community event in light of pandemic
Like most events throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MusiCares' pre-Grammys gala is going to look different this year.
In place of its annual Person of the Year gala, the organization announced Thursday that this year's event, rather than honoring a single artist, will pay tribute to the music community as a whole, especially those who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The virtual event, called Music on a Mission, will take place Friday, March 12 — two days before the Grammy Awards. D-Nice will DJ a pre-show set, and performers will include HAIM, H.E.R., Jhené Aiko and John Legend.
The broadcast will also feature performances from past Person of the Year galas, from artists including the Jonas Brothers, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and Usher.
Tickets go on sale Thursday for $25.
MusiCares serves as the charitable arm of the Recording Academy and helps those in the music industry in financial, medical or personal distress.
'We love you, man': Joey Kramer awkwardly joins Aerosmith at Grammys tribute event (but didn't play)
Last year's Person of the Year award went to the band Aerosmith, which was recognized for its philanthropic efforts over the last five decades, as well as its impact on American music history. At the event, the band played the hits "Dream On" (featuring H.E.R.) and "Sweet Emotion" and also brought out Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper for a set.
The night's other performers included Kesha, Gavin DeGraw, Cheap Trick and Yola, who brought the crowd to their feet with stunning Aerosmith covers.
Contributing: David Oliver
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MusiCares' annual pre-Grammys event is going to be different this year