No WGA waiver for Grammys ...

...And one is not likely, according to a spokesman for the Writers Guild of America.

"The [Recording Academy] has not asked the WGA for a waiver or interim agreement for the Grammys," said WGA spokesman Gregg Mitchell. "While no guild decision has yet been made regarding the Grammys, if a waiver is requested for the Grammys, it is unlikely to be granted."

The Grammys are produced by John Cossette Productions in association with Ken Ehrlich Productions, and are written by Ehrlich and author/journalist David Wild. Mitchell says there's been no decision yet as to whether or not the WGA would picket the Grammys, which air on CBS. Mitchell notes that there have been "no discussions yet" with the production companies involved with the Recording Academy's awards show.

It's unknown what kind of effect the lack of a waiver would have on the Feb. 10 Grammys, but there's been plenty of speculation. Variety notes that the Grammys would likely have to operate without any presenters or performers who double as members of the Screen Actors Guild, which has pledged solidarity with the WGA.

Today, Advertising Age reported that musicians who double as members of SAG, such as Justin Timberlake, are being lobbied not to perform, although no performers other than the Foo Fighters have been set. Calls placed to reps for the Foo Fighters to see if a picket by the WGA would have any effect on their scheduled appearance were not returned, nor were calls or e-mails to Recording Academy reps.

While there are plenty of talented performers to go around -- as so few musicians are card-carrying SAG members -- ratings could suffer, as superstar artists may shy away from appearing. As of today, multiple sources close to the production of the Grammys say they're operating one day at a time, and proceeding as if all systems are go.

(Photo courtesy Los Angeles Times)

Comments

[Frankie R.]

Grammys are all about music and songwriting...NARAS should chuck away any actors who would be presenters and keep within the music community only....after all that's what they're celebrating is music, que no? Jon Steward being a comedian could ad lib his way as host...no writers need to be included and WGA could give themselves a day off of picketing...or picket some other show...Leave the Grammys alone dammit!

[Dynasty]

This is getting really out of hand. I understand what the writers are up against and I'm on their side rather than the producers, but it seems unfair to ask musicians who act as well to not perform. It's like asking them to choose between two loves (and I'm sure music is the first love of many of them anyway).

[-Todd Martens]

Hi Frankie,
Agreed: "Grammys are all about music and songwriting." Hopefully this will give the Recording Academy an opportunity to really focus on the music, extending that to all presenters/hosts/etc.

[Frankie R.]

For Grammys there's really no need for a host...but if they must, then go with a musician/performer who's not an actor/comedian should Jon Stewart bow out because of the strike...Just roll musical presenters after presenters and performances after performances and announce winners after winners...Writers are really not needed for this particular awards show. Besides the producers could add more musical acts since scripted monologues/jokes/et.al. are cut out of the equation...giving more time for performances and having more categories presented on television...All monologue is just padding to fill out the 3 hours spectacle...Winners and presenters can give their plugs/shout-outs to the writers anyway.

[dagamedunchanged]

Now is the time for all creators to stand with one another, be they literary, audio visual or musical. This event can proceed without a few big name artists, and new and often overlooked talent may inject a new energy for the live audience as well as the home viewer. The clock is ticking, times are tense, but this show SHOULD go on, picket or no.