Seat filler at the Grammys reveals surprisingly strict rules they have to follow
A woman who was a seat filler at the 2024 Grammys has lifted the lid on what the unique role is like, how she got the gig and how to tell if someone is a seat filler.
You've probably noticed that at events like the Grammys and other big awards ceremonies, that there's rarely any empty seats - despite the fact many celebrities are known for being fashionably late.
I think we can all agree that the Grammys would look a bit odd if there was basically nobody in the crowd, and that's where a seat filler's job comes in.
One person who has been a seat filler at the Grammys before is Katelyn McLaughlin.
Advert
Speaking on behalf of OLBG, Katelyn explained just why people like her are needed at these star-studded nights.
"It’s to keep the audience of an event looking full on camera," she revealed.
"During commercial breaks, people are constantly getting up to go to the bathroom, grab a drink, or talk to someone at another table, and producers don’t want empty seats showing to the audience at home.
"Once the show starts back up again, everyone has to stay seated where they are until the next commercial break, so seat fillers step in to fill those gaps if there are empty chairs."
Katelyn also shared if there were any strict rules that seat fillers have to follow, and the instructions they're given largely center around their attire.
She said: "They give pretty specific dress guidelines. You have to wear formal attire in dark colours like black or navy. You can’t wear anything with a long train or cape that drags on the floor, and comfortable shoes are a must since you’re on your feet a lot and moving quickly.
"They recommend avoiding super high heels, even though some people still wear them. I chose a small heel. Dark colours work well because you look polished but don’t pull focus on the camera from the actual celebrities."
While seat fillers are meant to blend into the crowd, there is a way you can spot them — and that's by the a particular pin they wear.
"They’re usually wearing a special ribbon pinned to their outfit," said Katelyn. "If you watch an awards show closely, you can often spot them."
To get the super sought-after gig, Katelyn had to create a free account online and upload a photo of her ID to verify her identity. Both her and friend applied.
Supposedly, thousands of people apply each year, so Katelyn was super lucky to be picked two years ago.
Recalling the moment she got the exciting news that she'd been chose, she said: "About ten days before the Grammys, I woke up to an email telling me I’d been picked. The craziest thing is that my friend also got chosen. I couldn’t believe our luck!"
Most awkward moments in Grammys history
Jennifer Lopez and that green dress (2000)
Now, this is more embarrassing for the academy than it is for J.Lo, but in the year 2000, the 'On the Floor' singer rocked up to the Grammys in a green, deep plunge Versace dress.
What's awkward about that? Well, the dress was so spectacular that people didn't care about the ceremony and its winners, but instead Googled The Back-Up Plan actress so much that she became the reason Google Images was created. We should be thanking her, really.
Lady Gaga's infamous entrance (2011)
Now, we're not talking meat dresses, but we are talking eggs. Yes, that's right. How could we forget the 'Bad Romance' singer's bizarre entrance to the 2011 Grammys - arriving in an egg being carried across the red carpet.
But it didn't end there as Gaga remained in the egg until her albeit notable performance of 'Born This Way'. To this day, people are still scratching their heads on why it was necessary - but we'll probably never know.
Nicki Minaj and the exorcism (2012)
Today, Nicki Minaj might have rubbed her fans the wrong way, but back in 2012, she was that girl. So, a performance at the biggest music event of the year was expected.
What wasn't expected was her performance of 'Roman Holiday', where she, dressed as a nun, performed an exorcism-inspired scene, leaving people visibly shocked and disturbed. What might have been seen as an artistic choice for some was certainly seen as awkward and uncomfortable by others.
Taylor Swift and her 'Red' nomination (2014)
It wouldn't be a Grammys award ceremony if Taylor Swift wasn't nominated for something, but back in 2014, when everyone was betting on Red winning Album of the Year, the presenter decided to have a little fun with her.
When reading out who won, they said: "RRRRRRR-Random Access Memories." As you can imagine, Swift's face went from 'OMG' to 'WTH' pretty quickly.
Kanye West interrupting another artist on stage (2015)
Swifties, relax - this one's not about the 'Cruel Summer' hitmaker but is about an artist named Beck.
Beck might not have as many Grammys or Grammy nominations as Swift, but the two do have one thing in common - an interruption from Kanye on the world stage as he tells them they shouldn't have won over Beyoncé.
Although it seemed like his interruption of Beck was a skit, people didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and things only got more awkward when Ye later told Beck he should respect 'real artistry' and give the award to Beyoncé.
Niamh Shackleton