Beyonce is among those nominated for a Grammy for record of the year

The guild says it wants to offer support to musicians also facing challenges getting "compensation for the use of their work in new media."

The strike began in early November over payments for DVD sales and downloads.

It has already derailed the Golden Globes ceremony and leaves a question mark hanging over the Oscars.

Last week the guild agreed not to picket the event, suggesting an agreement was possible.

Patric M Verrone, President of the Writers Guild of America West said: "In the interest of advancing our goal of achieving a fair contract, the WGAW Board felt that this decision should be made."

The Recording Academy, which organises the Grammys, had already pledged to run the show with or without the support of writers.

Academy president Neil Portnow said it was "gratified by the WGA's decision to grant the interim agreement we requested for our milestone 50th annual Grammy Awards".

Justin Timberlake is nominated for five Grammys including best record

He added: "Having our talented writers on the team further ensures the highest level of creativity and innovation, something our audience has come to expect every year."

The writers' strike is now in its 13th week.

Informal talks are continuing between guild leaders and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents more than 350 production companies.

It follows a similar procedure used to resolve a dispute with the Directors Guild of America.