celebrity-news” target=”_blank”>The Weeknd< announced by the Recording Academy on Friday, and the music” target=”_blank”>pop star< the events after being shut out of all nominations for the 2021 awards.
The “After Hours” performer – born Abel Tesfaye – had one of the biggest albums of the year, which netted The Weeknd the most-streamed single of the year with “Blinding Lights” and a Super Bowl LIV Halftime performance to boot. So, he and his team were none too thrilled with their current standing in the eyes of the Recording Academy despite the organization eliminating “secret” nomination-review committees that decide who gets a shot at a trophy.
“The trust has been broken for so long between the Grammy organization and artists that it would be unwise to raise a victory flag,” he told Variety, adding that the recent move does mark “an important start.”
“I think the industry and public alike need to see the transparent system truly at play for the win to be celebrated, but it’s an important start,” he continued. “I remain uninterested in being a part of the Grammys, especially with their own admission of corruption for all these decades. I will not be submitting in the future.”
GRAMMYS DO AWAY WITH ‘SECRET’ NOMINATION REVIEW COMMITTEES
The Weeknd received no nominations for his hit album ‘After Hours’ despite having the most-streamed single of the year. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MTV VMAs 2020/Getty Images for MTV)
The 10-time nominee has previously won three Grammys: best urban contemporary album for “Starboy” in 2017, and in 2015 he won best R&B performance for the song “Earned It” and best urban contemporary album for “Beauty Behind The Madness.”
He has been among many big names and performers who have criticized the Grammys for a lack of diversity within the ranks of decision-makers. Nicki Minaj and justin-bieber” target=”_blank”>Justin Bieber<
Among the notable changes is the elimination of the nomination review committees, long regarded as “secret” committees that have been accused of hurting the chances of nominations and wins by celebrity-news” target=”_blank”>artists<
The Weeknd’s manager, Wassim “Sal” Slaiby added to Variety that he is “proud” of the performer for standing on his conviction in his choice to withhold his music from Grammy consideration moving forward.
“No change comes without a voice heard. I’m just proud of Abel for standing up for what he believes in,” Slaiby said. “I was in a shock when all this happened but now I see it clearly, and I’m glad we stood for our beliefs.”
Fox News’ Nate Day contributed to this report.