Katy Perry performs onstage during the FireAid Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images for FireAid)
The star-filled FireAid benefit concert, held last Thursday, is projected to raise over $100 million for victims of the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires. The event, which spanned over six hours, was streamed by over 50 million viewers across 28 broadcasting and online platforms.
The substantial sum includes ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise revenue, and public donations. Notably, the band U2 contributed $1 million to the cause.
The fundraising efforts continued beyond the concert with the Grammy Awards, which took place three days later, generating nearly $9 million in additional donations. During the ceremony, host Trevor Noah encouraged viewers to contribute, with a QR code displayed on screens to facilitate donations.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares also raised a significant chunk of change over the weekend, raising another $24 million in donations.
FireAid showcased performances from various Southern California artists, including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The event was split between two Los Angeles venues -- the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, featuring more than 30 artists in total.
L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, pledged to match every dollar raised during the concert. This matched amount is included in the $100 million total, and the Clippers also took care of the event costs.
The concert brought together the reunion of Nirvana's surviving members, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear, who were joined by guest vocalists including St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett. The performance reached its peak when Grohl's daughter, Violet, took the stage to sing "All Apologies."
Comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his own home in the Palisades Fire, hosted the event. Wearing the same clothes he had on when evacuating, Crystal drew parallels between the current crisis and the aftermath of 9/11. He shared a story about finding a rock with the word "Laughter" engraved on it among the wreckage of his home, which he said reminded him of the power of laughter even in dark times.
"We'll laugh again," Crystal told the audience. "Let's show the world who we are: We're Los Angeles, one city, one heart. L.A. Strong!"
The concert also featured personal stories from affected homeowners. Quinta Brunson, star of "Abbott Elementary," introduced Glendale High School math teacher Aurora Barboza Flores, who shared her experience of losing her Altadena home. "So now I've lost more than my home. I've lost my community, too. I was so proud to be a homeowner, so proud to have a place to call my own in this city," Flores said.
The funds raised are earmarked to support both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts in the Los Angeles region. Organizers have said that fundraising is ongoing, with the first grants expected to be distributed by mid-February.