Music

No, You Can’t Buy a Ticket for the 2020 Grammy Awards

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to witness the Grammy Awards person, don’t get your hopes up. Getting a ticket to the awards ceremony is no easy feat.

by Megan Elliott

Published on January 26, 2020

2 min read

Music’s biggest night is here. Some of the biggest pop stars of the moment, from Billie Eilish to Ariana Grande to Little Nas X to BTS, are about to descend on the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the Recording Academy will hand out awards for the song of the year, best new artist, and more.

While the Grammys are currently mired in behind-the-scenes controversy, that’s unlikely to stop people from turning out for the big event. Millions more will tune in to watch the show on TV. But if you’re a fan who’s wondering if it’s possible to witness the awards ceremony in person, don’t get your hopes up. Getting a ticket to the Grammy Awards is no easy feat.

The general public can’t buy tickets to the Grammy Awards

When the 2020 Grammy Awards kick off on Jan. 26, most of the people in attendance will be music industry insiders. While it is possible to buy tickets to the event, you need to be a member of the Recording Academy to do so. And even then, your chances of getting one aren’t great. Tickets typically sell out in less than a minute, Recording Academy member Mary Mazurek explained in a 2018 article for WFMT.

Nominees get tickets to the Grammys

Artists who are nominated for a Grammy Award also get tickets to the event. Nominees who are members of the Academy get two free tickets and can buy two more tickets at a preferred member price, according to an FAQ on the Grammys website. Artists who aren’t members of the Academy get a single free ticket, plus the option to buy one ticket at the discounted price and two more tickets at the regular price.

Basically, your best bet if you are dreaming of attending the Grammys in person is to cozy up to a member of the Recording Academy — preferably one who happens to be nominated for an award.

How to watch the 2020 Grammys at home

Get ready for the special #GRAMMY moments. @billyraycyrus @BTS_twt @Camila_Cabello @GaryClarkJr @mistyonpointe @cyndilauper @BenSPLATT and more will take the stage on Music’s Biggest Night® LIVE on Sunday starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS and @CBSAllAccess. https://t.co/U7ISmkQciL pic.twitter.com/7M3X80PhTS
— CBS (@CBS) January 23, 2020

While you probably won’t be able to attend the Grammys in person, you can still watch the ceremony at home. The live television broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS. (Red carpet coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET.) You can also stream the event on CBS.com or through CBS All Access. Alicia Keys is the host. Performers include Aerosmith, Gwen Stefani, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Demi Lovato.

Serious music fans can also watch the 2020 Grammy Premiere Ceremony, which is hosted by Imogen Heap. It will be streamed live on Grammy.com from 12:30-3:30 p.m. PT (3:30-6:30 ET) and feature performances from Nicola Benedetti, Chick Corea, Yola, and others.

The biggest awards of the night — such as album of the year — are handed out during the live telecast. But the majority of this year’s 84 Grammy Awards, including in those in the classical, jazz, and gospel categories, will actually be presented during the Premiere Ceremony.

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