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Recording Academy officials are reportedly hitting pause on plans to celebrate the 2021 Grammy Awards in person later this month due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Music's big night was set to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on 31 January, but with coronavirus cases continuing to rise at alarming rates, organizers are now having second thoughts.

Sources tell Rolling Stone the event is set to be postponed, with executives eying a new date in March.

Grammy bosses had already decided against having an audience in attendance for the prizegiving, insisting only presenters and performers could be in the building for the show, with nominees expected to appear virtually.

Recording Academy chiefs have yet to issue a formal statement about the date change.

Beyonce leads all nominees heading into the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, with Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Roddy Rich landing six apiece.

Comedian Trevor Noah had previously been announced as host of the big event, although it is currently unclear if he will still be able to serve as emcee for a rescheduled show.