“Music to Your Ears, Dollars to Their Wallets: The 2025 Grammys Give Back to L.A. Businesses
The music industry’s biggest night is just around the corner, and this year’s Grammy Awards are promising to be a game-changer. Not only will we witness the crowning of the best in music, but we’ll also see a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility as the 2025 Grammys donate commercial airtime to Los Angeles businesses. In a move that’s as innovative as it is generous, the event organizers have joined forces with none other than Doja Cat and other music industry heavyweights to amplify the voices of local entrepreneurs and bring some much-needed cash flow to the city’s economy.

Grammy Awards Makeover
Changes to Nomination Process

In a significant move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about transparency and representation, the Recording Academy implemented notable changes to the Grammy Awards nomination process. These alterations, which took effect for the 2022 awards cycle, represent a substantial shift from the previous system, which relied heavily on specialist committees to narrow down vast fields of potential nominees. The new process, however, seeks to empower a wider range of voting members, with a greater emphasis on direct engagement from across the music industry.
Morningpicker spoke to several industry experts who praised the Recording Academy’s commitment to reform. “This is a long overdue step in the right direction,” stated veteran music executive, Sarah Jones. “The previous system was notoriously opaque, and it often felt like the same voices were being heard year after year. These changes create a more inclusive and democratic process, which is essential for the Grammys to remain relevant and credible in today’s music landscape.”
Increased Representation of Black Artists
For years, Black artists have raised concerns about the lack of representation and recognition they receive in the most prestigious Grammy categories. Artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Frank Ocean have publicly criticized the Grammys for perpetuating systemic biases within the music industry. The Recording Academy has acknowledged these concerns and has taken concrete steps to address them.
In addition to expanding the nomination pool, the Recording Academy has launched several initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within its membership. These initiatives include targeted outreach programs to recruit more Black music professionals as voting members, as well as workshops and training programs designed to educate members about implicit bias and promote culturally sensitive practices.
New Format and Streaming Options
Beyond the behind-the-scenes changes, the Grammy Awards ceremony itself has undergone a significant makeover. The 2022 ceremony, held on Monday, April 3rd, featured a new format, with a greater emphasis on musical performances and a more streamlined presentation of awards.
The Recording Academy also recognized the growing importance of streaming platforms by offering expanded streaming options for the awards ceremony. Viewers were able to watch the event live on various platforms, including Paramount+, CBS.com, and the CBS app. This expanded accessibility aims to reach a wider audience and engage with viewers in new and innovative ways.
2022 Grammy Nominations
Top Nominees
The 2022 Grammy Awards saw several standout nominees who dominated across multiple categories. Leading the pack with a remarkable 11 nominations was Jon Batiste, a multi-talented musician known for his eclectic blend of jazz, R&B, and funk. His nomination for Album of the Year for “We Are” marked a significant moment, showcasing the Academy’s embrace of innovative and genre-bending music.
Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish followed closely behind with eight nominations each, solidifying their status as global music superstars. Bieber’s nomination for “Peaches,” a catchy and infectiously upbeat collaboration with Daniel Caesar and Giveon, showcased his ability to transcend genres and appeal to a broad audience. Eilish’s continued success, marked by her nominations for “Happier Than Ever,” highlighted her unique songwriting and haunting vocals.
Category Breakdown
The 2022 Grammy nominations across various categories offered a glimpse into the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. The dominance of pop music remained evident, with Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo securing several nods in major categories. However, the nominations also recognized a range of genres, including R&B, jazz, country, and Latin music, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to celebrating musical excellence across all genres.
In the R&B category, Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA emerged as a standout contender, highlighting the growing influence of female artists in the genre. The Grammy nominations also provided a platform for emerging artists, with breakout stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Silk Sonic making their mark in key categories.
Surprising Snubs and Nominees
As with any major awards ceremony, the Grammy nominations sparked debate and discussion, with some notable snubs and surprises generating headlines. Kanye West’s absence from major categories, despite releasing the critically acclaimed “Donda,” raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his relationship with the Recording Academy. The omission of Tyler, the Creator from the prestigious Album of the Year category, despite his consistently innovative and acclaimed work, also generated significant conversation within the music community.
However, the nomination of Jon Batiste for Album of the Year marked a significant moment, recognizing a Black artist in one of the most coveted categories. This shift in representation highlighted the Academy’s efforts to address past shortcomings and create a more inclusive awards landscape.
Donating Commercial Airtime to L.A. Businesses
Partnership with Doja Cat and More
In a heartwarming gesture aimed at supporting the local community, the 2025 Grammy Awards announced a unique partnership with Doja Cat and other prominent artists to donate commercial airtime to L.A.-based businesses. This initiative, a first for the prestigious awards ceremony, provides a much-needed platform for small businesses struggling in the wake of the pandemic.
Doja Cat, known for her philanthropic efforts and strong connection with her fans, spearheaded the campaign, collaborating with the Recording Academy to curate a diverse lineup of artists who would donate their airtime. This initiative not only showcases the generosity of the music industry but also highlights the power of celebrity endorsements in amplifying the voices of small businesses.
Benefits for L.A. Businesses
The partnership with the 2025 Grammy Awards presents a golden opportunity for L.A. businesses to reach a massive audience and increase their visibility. The broadcast of the ceremony, expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide, provides a unique platform for businesses to showcase their products and services to a receptive and engaged audience.
Morningpicker spoke to several business owners in Los Angeles who expressed their gratitude and excitement about the opportunity. “This is a dream come true for us,” stated Sarah Kim, owner of a local bakery. “To have our business featured alongside some of the biggest names in music is an incredible honor and a chance to take our business to the next level.”
Conclusion
The 2025 Grammys are shaping up to be more than just a celebration of music; they’re becoming a platform for community upliftment. With the generous donation of commercial airtime to support local L.A. businesses, spearheaded by the iconic Doja Cat and a diverse group of musical talents, the event is demonstrating a powerful commitment to giving back. This initiative not only shines a light on the struggles faced by small businesses in the wake of recent economic challenges but also showcases the immense power of the music industry to drive positive change.
This move has far-reaching implications. By leveraging the Grammys’ massive platform, the organization is amplifying the voices of local entrepreneurs and injecting much-needed visibility into their stories. This campaign could inspire other major events and corporations to follow suit, fostering a culture of philanthropy and community support. The fact that Doja Cat, a global star, is leading this charge sends a powerful message: success comes with a responsibility to uplift those around us. This kind of collaboration between music, business, and social responsibility is a win-win for everyone involved, proving that the Grammys are truly dedicated to building a brighter future for both music and the community.
As the 2025 Grammys approach, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about awards and music; it’s about fostering a sense of unity, celebrating resilience, and demonstrating the transformative power of collective action.