In 2021, The Weeknd caused a stir when he very publicly denounced the Grammy Awards, promising never to submit his music again. Despite his album After Hours being one of the biggest releases of the year with hits including “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears,” the singer received zero nominations. The snub was enough to make him call the Recording Academy corrupt.
“The Grammys remain corrupt,” he said. “You owe me, my fans, and the industry transparency,” he wrote in that now-infamous tweet. He later told The New York Times, “Because of the secret committees, I am going to stop allowing my label to submit my music to the Grammys.” His move sent ripples throughout the industry, raising debates on the viability of the awards and starting discussions of racial bias, voting integrity, and the need for reform within the Recording Academy.
The Unexpected Return
Even though The Weeknd had taken a hard stance against the Grammys, he shocked fans when he made his surprise return to the 2025 Grammys on February 2nd, the first time in four years he’s appeared at the Grammys. He delivered an electric performance of “Cry For Me” and “Timeless” from his newly released album Hurry Up Tomorrow.
His return was introduced by Harvey Mason Jr., who acknowledged the past tensions between The Weeknd and the Recording Academy. “Change takes time, and we have listened. The industry is evolving, and we are committed to ensuring that all artists feel seen, heard, and celebrated,” he said before introducing the star.
The crowd went wild as The Weeknd took center stage, showing a turning point in his relationship with the Grammys. His performance was met with a standing ovation, further cementing his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
The future
With the ever-evolving industry, only time can tell if the Grammys can regain full confidence from the artists who felt alienated for such a long time. For the time being, however, the 2025 performance of The Weeknd forms a defining point in the history of the award-one that could change the ways artists and audiences look toward Grammys henceforth.