After calling the Grammys “corrupt”, he nominated them.
The Weeknd, pop music’s biggest star, was nominated for three Grammy Awards on Tuesday despite previously declaring the ceremony “corrupt.” “
The Weeknd, real-name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye earned Grammy nominations for his appearance on Kanye West’s song “Hurricane” (which also features Lil Baby), and two album of year nominees, DojaCat’s “Planet Her” deluxe edition and West’s “Donda.”
Despite hits such as “After Hours” or “Blinding Lights”, he did not receive any Grammy nominations last November. (“Lights”) was named by trade publication Billboard the greatest song to reach the top of the Hot 100 charts.
The Weeknd announced that he would no longer be associated with the Grammys after a 2020 Grammys snub. He stated earlier this year to New York Times that he would not allow his label to submit music to the Grammys due to “secret committees”.
Although he has not released a new album in over a decade since 2020’s After Hours, he is up for nominations because he has been featured on other artists’ projects.
This year, the rule was adjusted to benefit The Weeknd and other artists. To be eligible for a nomination, songwriters needed to contribute at least 33% to a best album nominee. The rule change allowed guest artists such as the Weeknd to join the fray.
This explains why he was nominated for three Grammys in 2022.
“What I like about the Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. is that no one is trying to think about the past, the controversy or where this artist made music last year,” , The Associated Press.
Mason noted that voters are looking for “excellence in music” to decide who to nominate. Mason stated that voters are evaluating music, and not being distracted by the history or reputations of other artists. “That being said, I believe they’re voting to recognize excellence.
The Weeknd has not commented on social media nor in an official statement so far. January 31 will see the 2022 Grammy Awards.