The Damaging Reason So Many Artists Are Refusing To Perform At The Grammys
For years, the Recording Academy has faced criticism for blatantly rewarding white artists while diminishing the accomplishments of black artists.
In 2013, Beyoncé dropped her self-titled album and despite its critical acclaim from fans and music's elite, she lost Album Of The Year at the Grammy's to Beck's 'Morning Phase' album. Two years later, Beyoncé was snubbed again when her album 'Lemonade' lost to Adele's '25'. When Adele went on stage to accept her award, she took the time to thank Beyoncé. Kendrick Lamar has been nominated for Album Of The Year three times, losing to Bruno Mars in 2018, Taylor Swift in 2016 and Daft Punk in 2014. These are just two of the many examples many have brought to media attention year after year.
Oftentimes, legendary albums by black artists aren't even granted a nomination in the Album Of The Year category and when they are nominated, they lose to white artists. It’s not merely that the Grammys diminish black artists at the top of their game, they often undercut albums that are huge cultural moments.
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The Annual Grammy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 10, and the controversy continues.
While this year's nominated list has been highly lauded because there are no white men nominated for Album Of The Year (the nominees are, Childish Gambino’s Awaken, 'My Love!', Jay-Z’s '4:44', Lorde’s 'Melodrama', Kendrick Lamar’s 'DAMN', and Bruno Mars’ '24K Magic'), controversy continues with artists calling for more diversity in all categories.
This year, the Recording Academy has also been plagued by sexism criticism. Ariana Grande recently pulled out of her performance for Sunday's ceremony and has since called out Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich for lying about the reasons behind her absence.
Ehrlich had told the Associated Press that Grande was in talks to perform at the Grammys on Sunday, but ultimately “felt it was too late for her to pull something together”.
Grande has publicly disputed that lack of time was the deciding factor, tweeting, “I’ve kept my mouth shut, but now you’re lying about me.”
“i can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken,” she continued. “it was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that i decided not to attend. i hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more.”
The singer went further, claiming that she “offered 3 different songs. it’s about collaboration. it’s about feeling supported. it’s about art and honesty. not politics. not doing favors or playing games. it’s just a game y’all.. and i’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me.”
Grande is believed to have felt 'insulted' when Grammys producers wouldn't allow her to perform her new single 7 Rings. Producers allegedly agreed to 7 Rings only if performed as part of a medley, but Grande backed out when they insisted on choosing the second song.
The Thank U, Next singer isn't the only one to have pulled out of this year's ceremony. Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino all turned down offers to the perform at the show.
WATCH: Music Fans In Shock After The Grammys Snub Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift And Beyonce.
