Why was The Weeknd snubbed?
The Weeknd's unexpected and complete omission from the 2021 Grammy Award nominations, particularly for his critically acclaimed album After Hours and the record-breaking single "Blinding Lights," was a major shock to the music industry and fans alike. This significant snub sparked widespread debate and speculation about the Recording Academy's internal processes and relevance.
The Shocking Exclusion
The After Hours album, released in March 2020, was a massive commercial and critical success, featuring hits like "Blinding Lights," which broke numerous chart records and became a global phenomenon. Given its popularity and critical reception, the album and its lead singles were widely expected to receive multiple nominations in major categories.
Here's a quick look at the expected vs. actual outcomes:
| Release Name | Expected Top Categories | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| After Hours | Album of the Year | Zero Nominations |
| "Blinding Lights" | Record of the Year, Song of the Year | Zero Nominations |
| "Heartless," "Save Your Tears" | Other Pop/R&B Categories | Zero Nominations |
Underlying Reasons for the Snub
While no single definitive reason has been officially provided by the Recording Academy, several theories and insights emerged to explain The Weeknd's complete shutout:
1. The Role of Screening Committees
A significant focus of the speculation centered on the Recording Academy's screening committees. These opaque committees are responsible for reviewing submissions and determining their appropriateness for various categories before the final ballots are sent to the wider voting body. It is strongly believed that decisions made by these committees played a pivotal role in his exclusion.
- Despite widespread speculation that his Super Bowl LV Halftime Show performance might have created a conflict, this factor likely played a minor role in his absence from the highly anticipated Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year categories.
- Instead, scrutiny turned to the Recording Academy's internal screening committees. These committees, responsible for vetting releases and determining their suitability for specific categories, potentially made decisions that led to his significant omission.
2. Perceived Friction with the Grammys
There were rumors of friction between The Weeknd's team and the Recording Academy, possibly stemming from negotiations regarding his Super Bowl performance. Some reports suggested that the Academy issued an ultimatum, demanding he choose between the Grammys and the Super Bowl. While this was widely denied, the perception of a strained relationship lingered.
3. "Secret Committee" Dynamics
The Grammys have long faced criticism for their "secret committees," which can override the results of the general voting body. These committees are designed to ensure diversity and quality in nominations, but they also introduce a layer of non-transparency that can lead to unexpected outcomes. Many pointed to these committees as the reason why such a popular and critically acclaimed artist could be completely overlooked.
4. Disconnect Between Academy and Public/Critical Taste
The snub highlighted a recurring critique that the Grammys often appear out of touch with contemporary music trends and public sentiment. The stark contrast between After Hours's global success and its Grammy fate fueled arguments that the Academy's voting process or internal selections are flawed or biased.
The Weeknd's Reaction
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, publicly expressed his strong disapproval of the nominations. He tweeted, "The Grammys are corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency..." This statement resonated widely and added fuel to the debate about the integrity and transparency of the awards process. He later stated that he would boycott the Grammys moving forward.
Broader Implications
The Weeknd's snub became a catalyst for a larger conversation within the music industry regarding the Grammy Awards' relevance, transparency, and fairness. It reignited calls for significant reforms within the Recording Academy, particularly concerning the role of the screening and nomination review committees, to ensure that the awards accurately reflect artistic merit and impact.
