The Weeknd has stated that it will boycott the Grammys in the future, refusing to attend or proposing their work for consideration from there. “Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to present my music at the Grammys,” he said in a statement to The New York Times.
The Canadian singer’s latest album Out of hours was one of the most important albums of the year in 2020, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart when it was released in March. It was widely considered the biggest of the year when the 2021 Grammy nominations were announced in November. After the nominations were revealed, the Weeknd tweeted: “The Grammys are still corrupt. To me, my fans and the industry you owe transparency …”
Harvey Mason jr., President and interim president / CEO of the Recording Academy, said in November, “You know, it really just happens to the voting body that decides.” In response to the Weeknd’s new statement, Mason said The times, “We are all disappointed when someone is upset …. But I will say that we are constantly evolving. And this year, as in recent years, we will carefully analyze how to improve our awards process, including review committees. of the nominations ”.
The Weeknd now joins the ranks of artists such as Drake and Frank Ocean, who have previously criticized and boycotted the awards ceremony. Ocean remarkably refused to show up Ros i Endless the year they were eligible.
Pitchfork has contacted representatives from Weeknd and the Recording Academy for comments and more information.
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