NYC makes play for Grammys

COULD the Grammy Awards come back to New York? There’s a secret campaign to lure the marquee music event back to the Big Apple to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2018.

The commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Julie Menin, is spearheading the bid with music manager Irving Azoff, who has represented artists including Christina Aguilera, the Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi. They plan to persuade the Recording Academy to move music’s biggest night to NYC after 13 years at the Staples Center in downtown LA.

It’s hoped that Madison Square Garden would host the February 2018 Grammys, but that is dependent on if the Knicks and the Rangers are both playing on the road.

A source with knowledge of New York’s bid told Page Six, “It would mean a lot to New York to get the Grammys back. The economic benefit to the city could be in the range of $200 million, because it’s not just the telecast, the Grammys bring a whole week of events, including Clive Davis’ big party.”

The awards show would be more expensive to host in New York because of labor costs, but we’re told that, “Menin’s office is focused on getting the Grammys back to New York, and is putting together a compelling case, as well as extra sponsors to offset the cost. They believe the academy should do something special for the big anniversary. New York is America’s capital of music and so many of the major artists are passionate about, and live in, NYC.”

Talks have started with MSG, but NBA and NHL schedules could be a stumbling block. It is believed the Grammy organizers could need the venue for more than two weeks for setup, rehearsals and breakdown.

The last time NYC hosted the Grammys at MSG was in 2003. The bash has also been held numerous times at Radio City Music Hall. Meanwhile, the first ceremony in 1959 was held simultaneously in LA and NYC, and Frank Sinatra swept the board. Menin, MSG and Azoff didn’t comment on Tuesday.