Wednesday, 23 January 2008

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Writers won't picket the Grammy Awards

Music ceremony should go ahead

Music stars will have a clear path to the Grammy Award red carpet as striking Hollywood writers announced Tuesday they will not picket the show.

"We are pleased with the decision," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow. "In light of this, we are gratified that the 50th Annual Grammy Awards will focus solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show."

The WGA, however, has refused to grant the Grammys a waiver allowing the use of union writers on the show, but the lack of picket lines means the stars will appear – and the show will go on, unlike the doomed Golden Globe Awards.

The WGA also announced that it will begin information talks with the studios on Wednesday.

By Karen Salkin