After his highly controversial snubs at the 2021 Grammy Awards, singer-songwriter The Weeknd expressed that he will no longer submit his music for consideration , citing the “secret panels” (probably meaning the nomination review committees) as the reason why. However, The Weeknd is far from the first artist to have beef with the Grammys. From not attending the awards to outright dissing the institution and not submitting their work, here are a few artists who also decided to declare a Grammys boycott over the years.
The acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter made headlines in 2016 for his decision not to submit his album “Blonde” for consideration. This was an unexpected choice given that Ocean was not only a previous Grammy winner, but that “Blonde” was highly acclaimed and would’ve surely gotten love somewhere. Ocean explained his decision to the New York Times , stating that “[the recording academy] just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down.”
Grande is one of multiple performers who boycotted the 2019 ceremony by not attending, though her case was different from the others. From what we know, Grande was upset by comments from Grammy producer Ehrlich (again) saying that she would not be performing at that year’s Grammys because of late planning, claiming she “felt it was too late for her to pull something together.”
“I’ve kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me,” Grande quickly clapped back at Ehrlich on Twitter. “I can pull together a performance overnight and you know that, Ken. It was when my creativity and self-expression was stifled by you, that I decided not to attend.” Grande didn’t come to the show at all, let alone perform, even though she ended up winning her first career trophy at that event, thanking voters on Twitter for her Best Pop Album victory for “Sweetener.” She’d later return to the Grammy stage the following year and made peace with Ehrlich .
Actor and musician Donald Glover , also known as Childish Gambino, had a big 2018 with his instantly viral song “This Is America” receiving widespread acclaim and becoming his first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 as well. Glover’s success was reflected in the 2019 Grammy nominations, where he scored Record and Song of the Year nominations, as well as Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Music Video — all for “This Is America” — along with Best R&B Song for his breezy track “Feels Like Summer.” Gambino ended up sweeping his four “This is America” noms, making “This Is America” the first hip-hop song to win in the general field .
So it was confusing that the big winner wasn’t even there, leaving Ludwig Goransson (co-writer and producer on “This Is America”) to give the acceptance speeches for the rest of the night. While Gambino never stated the reason for his absence, many credit it to hip-hop’s lack of representation , especially in the general field.
Another actor/musician, Will Smith , won the inaugural Best Rap Performance award at the 1989 Grammys for his song “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff . However, due to the Grammys’ treatment of the rap genre, shutting a lot of rap artists out (especially in the top races) and not even televising the rap categories, Smith and Jazzy Jeff decided to boycott , joined by multiple other nominees in the same category. They would eventually win another Grammy a couple years later for their smash hit “Summertime,” for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Weeknd, Lady Gaga Lawyer Kenny Meiselas Made Power Plays in 2020 - Variety
Since its release, and based on the strength of several hit singles (chief among them: “Blinding Lights,” with 1.2 billion streams, according to Alpha Data), the album moved 2.5 million units to date and led to multiple TV appearances throughout the year, including the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime show in Feb., where he followed in the footwork of previous performers Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, The Who, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Prince, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga , U2, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, to name a few
“Abel joined the elite, superstar club … whose historic performances at the Super Bowl will be remembered for years to come,” Meiselas tells Variety . “As someone who first saw Abel performing at a club in Toronto and has worked with him since 2013, I was so proud and happy for him and his team.”
The Weeknd has already expanded to the screen with a small role in “Uncut Gems,” and Meiselas says to expect, “Abel to make his mark in film and television, not just as an actor but as a creator, writer and producer.” And as new technologies emerge, “Abel will be right there as we recently saw with the release of his groundbreaking NFTs,” he adds. “It’s a whole new world.”
Says Meiselas, who was recognized by Variety in 2019 as its Power of Law honoree : “From my perspective, when I look at Lady Gaga, I think excellence. I think the best. I think number one. These are alliances of greatness as these brands like Gaga herself are each respected as being at the very top of its product category. So the connection is there — excellence merging together with excellence.”
Having represented Sean Combs for more than two decades, Meiselas has long been committed to the city of New York (his office is in the famed Carnegie Hall) and the underserved communities that the music and spirits mogul has endeavored to help. Meiselas’ efforts include being a partner in the Robin Hood Foundation, and, in May 2020, helping raise $115 million for the city at a dire moment in the pandemic. Another event, “Heroes of New York,” added millions more to the tally in December. “It was one of the highlights of my year to be able to assist Robin Hood with their efforts to raise money to help battle against the horrific effects of COVID-19 on those less fortunate,” says Meiselas, noting that The Weeknd also committed millions to aid the recent crisis in Ethiopia, the Aug. 2020 explosion in Beirut and COVID initiatives throughout the year.
“At times, I wonder how I ever got through everything pre- pandemic when I spent hours of each day commuting, having business lunches and attending other industry events,” says Meiselas, only half-kidding. “Sometimes there does not seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.”
The Weeknd is top nominee for May's iHeartRadio Music Awards - ABC News
LOS ANGELES -- The Weeknd, Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch are among the top nominees for next month's iHeartRadio Music Awards.
The Weeknd's eight nominations include male artist of the year, competing with Ricch, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber and Post Malone, and song of the year for "Blinding Lights."
Ricch and Megan Thee Stallion earned seven nods each, including hip-hop artist of the year. Also competing in the category are DaBaby, Lil Baby and Pop Smoke.
Megan Thee Stallion is a contender for female artist of the year, alongside Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift, according to Wednesday's announcement for the May 27 awards airing on Fox.
Other song of the year nominees are Malone's "Circles"; Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now"; "Rockstar" from DaBaby and featuring Ricch, and Harry Styles' "Watermelon Sugar."
Dr. Luke, who's enjoyed a creative renewal with hits including Doja Cat's "Say So" and earned his first Grammy nod this year in seven years, was nominated as producer of the year. Competing with Dr. Luke, who remains embroiled in a lawsuit with Kesha, are Andrew Watt, Frank Dukes, Louis Bell and Max Martin.
Nominees for Latin pop or reggaeton artist of the year are Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma and Ozuna.
Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett are country artist of the year contenders.
BTS, Dan + Shay, Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5 and twenty one pilots are the nominees for best duo or group.
BTS, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd And Lil Nas X: 5 Important Moves On This Week's Hot 100
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 01: 2019 (L-R) V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS arrives ... [+] at the Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
This week's Hot 100 belongs to hip-hop star Rod Wave, who charts 14 different cuts...though most of his current wins appear in the lower half of the list. Looking toward the top, names like Lil Nas X, The Weeknd and even BTS grab the most attention, some with brand new hits and others with tracks that just won't quit.
The cut was a strong seller (it opened at No. 2 on the Digital Song Sales chart) but it's streams that pushed it to the top. Between streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music and YouTube, which played a huge role in the song's success, the title racked up more than 50 million plays and views, a massive sum for any release.
"Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" serves as the second single from Montero, Lil Nas X's forthcoming debut full-length album, which is coming this summer at some point.
As his new album SoulFly arrives at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Rod Wave also invades the Hot 100 with songs from the set. 14 tracks from the project appar on the all-encompassing list, with just three appearing inside the top 40. Most of Wave's placements are new to the tally, though a few singles gain ground, including "Tombstone," which vaults from No. 82 to No. 11, almost becoming the musician's first top 10 hit.
"Dynamite" grabs this specific record from Psy's "Gangnam Style," which spent 31 weeks on the Hot 100 nearly a decade ago.
Taylor Swift's new (well, sort of new) album Fearless (Taylor's Version) is out now, and it was preceded by two singles: "Love Story (Taylor's Version)" and previously unheard tune "You All Over Me," which credits Maren Morris as a featured act.
The latter title opens at No. 51 on the Hot 100 this week, giving Morris her tenth placement on the ranking and Swift her one-hundred-and-thirtieth. The single helps Swift further her lead as the female artist with the most Hot 100 hits of all time.
Ten years later: The enduring vice of The Weeknd's debut mixtape 'House of Balloons' | The
My first exposure to The Weeknd was in the summer of 2015 with his smash hit " Can't Feel My Face. " I remember the buzz around my high school at the start of a new year, when we grooved to the funk rhythms and laughed over The Weeknd's pineapple-like hairstyle. At first, we thought we were mouthing along to a tale of romance. Then, we found out the truth: We whispered to each other, wide-eyed, "Did you know that 'Can't Feel My Face' is actually about cocaine?" To 9th graders, it was a shocking revelation that a Billboard-topping single could be about such a taboo substance.
A darker, elusive truth underneath the façade of glamour. This theme is omnipresent in The Weeknd's entire discography, from his murky beginnings in 2011 to the record-breaking success of his latest album "After Hours" in 2020. Ten years after the original release of " House of Balloons " on March 21, 2011, now is a crucial moment for music lovers to look back on the roots of this brilliant R&B artist.
From the opening moments of "High For This," a mysterious warbling pulls you into Abel Tesfaye's abyss. The Weeknd denies responsibility for the sins and destructions of his underworld, singing, "You don't know what's in store / But you know what you're here for … Trust me girl, you wanna be high for this." These words are as much of a caution for the listeners as they are for the girl.
After the deceptively calm track "What You Need," the mind-numbing club bass of "House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls" kicks off what I believe to be the best three consecutive tracks on this project. This titular two-part track is brilliant in creating the dizzying and ominous soundscape of a party with no limits. The Weeknd looks for "two puffs for the lady who be down for that," and the dense layers of the instrumental hypnotize the listeners as if they are growing more intoxicated by the atmosphere of this mixtape.
Then, the breakout single "Wicked Games" sits squarely in the middle of the tracklist. This song is exquisitely crafted, with stunning crescendos that evoke the sounds of rock bands. The Weeknd's voice conveys urgency, but it never sounds strained; he has expert control over his singing.
It's stunning to think that Tesfaye released this mixtape at 21 years old. The vocal talent, songwriting and production — handled primarily by Doc McKinney and Illangelo — show a fully realized artistic vision that surpasses even the most seasoned musicians. The Weeknd paints soundscapes of beaten-down basements and blurry memories, setting the standard for alternative R&B of the 2010s and beyond.
I want to refrain from making absolute declarations like "The Weeknd regrets these days!" or "The Weeknd is proud of these days and glorifying them!" The Weeknd presents us his narrative, which is that of a partier who loves his vices but struggles with the consequences. The lyrical content may be despicable, but it is frank. And I can't help but be addicted to this mixtape for it.
'Heartless' crooner The Weeknd to donate $1mn to conflict-ridden Ethiopia | NewsBytes
Taking to his social media handles, the singer-songwriter said that he would be donating the sum through the UN World Food Programme.
"I will be donating $1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Programme," he added.
According to the United Nations , the World Food Programme (WFP) has started providing emergency food assistance to vulnerable people in Tigray.
As per its estimations, WFP will need around $170 million to meet nutritional demands over the next six months.
Ahmed, who belongs to the Oromo ethnic group, has been at odds with the ruling party in Tigray, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), ever since he came to power in 2018.
The UN announced a human rights investigation into the alleged Tigray rights violations on March 25.
The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Ties As Fourth-Longest-Charting Hot 100 Hit Of All Time
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: The Weeknd performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show at ... [+] Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Only three songs have managed to rack up a higher week count on the Hot 100, and they stand out as some of the biggest hits in recent memory.
Leading the way as the longest-charting song in Hot 100 history remains Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive," which held on for an astounding 87 frames. The Grammy-winning rock giant remains the only track to reach 80 weeks (and then pass it).
Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" comes next as the third-longest-charting song in the decades-long tenure of the Hot 100, as that syrupy-sweet cut spent 76 weeks on the chart.
Last week, "Blinding Lights" was tied with OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" and LMFAO, Lauren Bennett and GoonRock's "Party Rock Anthem" with 68 weeks on the Hot 100 apiece, but now The Weeknd's biggest hit yet has passed those singles for good.
The Weeknd says he is donating $1 million toward Ethiopian relief efforts | Entertainment |
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: The Weeknd poses during the Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show Press Conference at Tampa Convention Center on February 04, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TW)
The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, on Sunday said that he will donate $1 million to Ethiopian relief efforts through the UN World Food Programme.
A recent CNN investigation found that men wearing Ethiopian army uniforms executed unarmed men in Tigray. A BBC-led investigation also published Thursday corroborated the same massacre near Mahibere Dego, a mountainous area of central Tigray.
"I will be donating $1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Programme and encourage those who can to please give as well."
The UN announced on March 25 that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission would launch a joint investigation into possible crimes.
The Philadelphia Tribune honored prominent Philadelphians and institutions at the Christopher J. Perry/Carter G. Woodson Black History Awards on Thursday. Normally a big luncheon full of the city's movers and shakers is held at the prestigious Union League, but thanks to the pandemic the ann…
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