Photo of Beyoncé performing at 2014 Grammy Awards, by Kevork Djansezian
This year's 58th Grammy Awards will finally join major American trophy shows such as the Oscars and Emmys, which air live from coast to coast.
CBS announced Tuesday its affiliates in the Pacific and Mountain time zones will have the option of airing this year's Grammys live at 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PST).
The network noted in a press release that stations choosing to air the live telecast will also rebroadcast the full show immediately afterward, for those who might have missed the earlier airing.
Although CBS didn't elaborate on its long-term plans, Deadline points out this is a one-year experiment. But it will likely prove to be a welcome change, especially for viewers on the West Coast, who have long criticized CBS for delaying its broadcast of the Grammys in the age of social media and instant feedback.
As we previously mentioned, this year's Grammys ceremony presents a chance for such experimentation, as it will air on a Monday (Feb. 15) instead of a Sunday due to the long holiday weekend.
Broadcasting the Grammys live across the country could very well be a smart ratings move. Last year's event attracted 24.8 million viewers, with an 8.3 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
At press time, CBS is still in discussions with its individual affiliates; a list of participating stations is not yet available.