February 2, 2025– Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars sang a cover of ‘California Dreamin” in honour of the city of Los Angeles at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (02.02.25).

The ‘Die with a Smile’ collaborators teamed up for a special tribute in the wake of the recent wildfires, wearing coordinating brown and cream outfits as they performed the Mamas and the Papas classic track.

Throughout the evening, host Trevor Noah has been urging people to donate to wildfire relief efforts, while the ceremony kicked off with another tribute performance that saw Dawes joined by John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, and St. Vincent for a rendition of Randy Newman’s ‘I Love L.A.’.The choice of opening act was poignant as Dawes’ frontman Taylor Goldsmith had his home studio and much of his equipment destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires, while his brother, drummer Griffin Goldsmith’s house burned down.

Introducing their performance, host Trevor said: “So, to kick off tonight’s show in a really special way, allow me to tell you about a band that has LA in their DNA. Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are two brothers born and raised in the city who make up the band Dawes. They, like so many others have lost so much in these fires.

“Griffin’s home, their childhood home, their home music studio, and almost all their instruments. Despite their tragic loss, Dawes have helped raise money for nearly 100 other families also affected by the disaster. They truly epitomise the unique spirit we are seeing in LA right now.”This year, what better way to start the Grammy Awards? Joined by an all-star brand of Grammy award-winning artists represent in your music community, coming together: John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard and St. Vincent to open the Grammys. Welcome Dawes.”

This year’s awards are raising additional funds to support the wildfire relief efforts and honouring the first responders, and during his opening monologue, Trevor urged people to donate.

He said: “Tonight’s just not about music. All night long, we will be raising funds for music cares fire relief, supporting the work of Musicares and other fantastic charities. Direct relief is providing care to first responders, residents, local health centers. Telephone community foundation has disbursed fire eight to more than 130 local nonprofits, and Pasadena committee foundation, supporting those hardest hit in Altadena and Pasadena.”