Shots are fired! The Weeknd is getting real about his anger towards the Grammys, expressing that he feels their whole system of choosing artists is "corrupt."
The Weeknd tweeted about the lack of recognition for his work on his latest album and his smash hit "Blinding Lights," which spent 40 weeks in the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100.
The Weeknd feels snubbed by the Grammys
As many A-list musicians were jumping for joy at the release of the nomination lists, there were some who felt they were snubbed of recognition for their hard work! Among the few to announce their displeasure was none other than The Weeknd, who had glowing success with his latest album.
The 30-year-old hip-hop and R&B singer sent out a tweet, firing at the Recording Academy for their apparent "corruption."
"The Grammys remain corrupt," he tweeted. "You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency..."
On February 7!
Following the tweet, TMZ reported that the snub may have been as a result of the artist choosing to headline the 2021 Super Bowl, but the Recording Academy denied such allegations, telling People in a statement "that in no way could" The Weeknd's headlining of the Super Bowl "have affected the nomination process."
The Weeknd's 2020 album After Hours was snubbed for Album of the Year nomination despite its growing success.
"Blinding Lights," a single off the album, spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but it also didn't make it on the nomination list.
Find out who's up for the prize!
"We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated," the Recording Academy said in their statement to People.
"I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone’s admiration," they continued.
But according to TMZ reports, The Weeknd was given an ultimatum this year - perform at the Super Bowl, or perform at the Grammys. After heated negotiations, they agreed he could perform at both.
"We were thrilled when we found out he would be performing at the upcoming Super Bowl and we would have loved to have him also perform on the GRAMMY stage the weekend before," the statement continued.
"Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. But as the only peer-voted music award, we will continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in music while shining a light on the many amazing artists that make up our global community," the statement concluded.
The Grammys will be aired Sunday, January 31.
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