Zayn Malik Calls Out the Grammys for Favoritism, Adding to the Long List of Celeb Criticism
Zayn Malik expressed his frustration at the Grammys by calling out their corruption and favoritism, which many think is fueled by racism.
Ahead of this weekend’s show, Malik sent out a fiery tweet criticizing the Grammys for not giving recognition, saying that artists aren’t nominated unless they “shake hands and send gifts.” This comes just months after The Weeknd spoke out for not receiving any nominations for his latest album After Hours even after weeks of planning his performance.
Despite having released three solo albums and his 2016 hit single “PILLOWTALK,” Malik has yet to receive a nomination for the awards show. His latest project was Nobody Is Listening, which was just released in January.
zayn is so overdue for a grammy he DESERVES one ever since he went solo. pillow talk was a hit. MIND OF MINE ALBUM? ICARUS FALLS?? NOBODY IS LISTENING?? SUCH GREAT ALBUMS. zayn never misses!! he’s so underrated it makes me so sad to see him not get the attention he deserves
— sam 🏍 (@povsgolden) March 9, 2021
The Grammys have a history of receiving backlash for not nominating artists most feel are deserving, especially those of color. There have been several boycotts by Black musicians in the past who refused to attend the show because of their racism and corruption.
i know i’m late but zayn is right. the grammys are racist. snubbed so many well-deserving POC out of a grammy. nicki minaj, the weeknd, zayn himself and so many more deserve better.
— z famous era (@coacoacbeans) March 9, 2021
As a Pakistani Muslim, many of Malik’s fans believe racism and Islamophobia are to blame for his lack of recognition and that the outcome would’ve been different had he been white. Oftentimes, when artists of color do receive nominations, they’re typically boxed into urban or foreign categories.
go cry because this king said facts and only facts
— ola ²⁸ / passionate bunch (@in_love_with_lu) March 9, 2021
ZAYN DESERVES BETTER pic.twitter.com/vHqyILTwRG
Malik is receiving a lot of support from fans on social media following his tweet, and “ZAYN DESERVES BETTER” instantly trended on Twitter. His tweet came as a shock to most since the singer doesn’t usually voice his opinion online, but fans are happy he finally decided to speak up against the Recording Academy.
you don’t have to be a fan to recognize that zayn deserves a grammy. he is incredibly talented.
— madds| i literally love Val sm (@nnarrysupremacy) March 9, 2021
Beyoncé and Taylor Swift lead in nominations for this year’s show. Be sure to check out the full list of nominations and tune in to the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, which will air on March 14 on CBS at 8pm ET.
Writer | Tweet me @itsjadak
