The Weeknd Wins Grammy Despite Boycott of the Award Show
Despite boycotting the award show last year, The Weeknd still managed to win Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. After the Canadian singer-songwriter was shockingly snubbed for his album After Hours in 2021, he vowed to never submit his music for consideration again. However, he has now received his fourth Grammy for his feature on the song “Hurricane,” alongside Kanye West and Lil Baby.
When the 32-year-old performer was left off the nomination list in 2020, he publicly scrutinized the Recording Academy on Twitter. “The Grammys remain corrupt,” he wrote. “You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…” Then, in a statement to The New York Times, he explained that the academy’s “secret committees” were the reason behind his boycott.
The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 25, 2020
The academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., promised to reevaluate the nomination process. “We’re all disappointed when anyone is upset,” Mason explained. “But I will say that we are constantly evolving. And this year, as in past years, we are going to take a hard look at how to improve our awards process, including the nomination review committees.”
The academy’s efforts weren’t enough to change The Weeknd’s mind. In fact, he even told Billboard that his previous Grammy wins meant nothing to him. “Look, I personally don’t care anymore,” he revealed. “I have three Grammys, which mean nothing to me now, obviously. It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want the Grammy!'” “I suck at giving speeches anyways,” he continued. “Forget awards shows.”
wow what a day … today belongs to us 💪🏾 . and out of time TUESDAY ! https://t.co/QEVtzTOoBq
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) April 3, 2022
Although the artist wasn’t actively at the award show on Sunday, he was certainly active on Twitter. From releasing stills from the now released “Out of Time” music video to asking followers if he should change his stage name, the pop star appeared unfazed by the night’s events. So much so that he has yet to comment on winning another Grammy against his will.
To see The Weeknd’s string of Sunday tweets for yourself, check him out on Twitter. Also, be sure to watch his new music video for “Out of Time,” released today.
