At the beginning of this month, Billie walked away with no Grammys while being nominated for seven categories. How can someone who has created such a groundbreaking album receive no awards for her success?
Fans ran to various social media platforms to express their opinions concerning the unjust winners of the Grammys. In response to the flood of comments, Billie and her brother/producer, Finneas, have expressed their gratitude for their fans.Â
Specifically, Finneas shared on his Instagram, “Great Grammys!!! So honored to have been nominated amongst so many amazing songs/albums. I don’t wanna see ANYONE with a photo of me or Billie as their PFP gettin’ in fights with other artists’ fans in comment sections!!! Be at peace! Congratulations to all!” He addressed their fans with a sense of humor, ensuring they realize that although such a result may be disheartening, they do not want to start any conflicts online.
Music conveys stories, and Billie did just that. She used melodies and sounds different from her previous creations, yet it was not enough to win over the 13,000 voters of the Recording Academy. She shed tears on the big screen due to the work she put into the album not receiving the award it deserved. However, her ability to cheer others on keeps her going, which beautifully presents her personality and love for music, even if it comes from other artists.Â
As fans, we can see the heart she placed into such an incredible album. From the album cover being a real-life depiction of her being underwater to her sharing emotional aspects of her own life, the listener can feel her dedication to creating an impactful piece of art. Billie put immense pressure on herself to create something empowering despite people around her telling her to make music she truly loves. In many interviews, she expresses how she realizes that she is the one who should enjoy this process without the need to please everyone else.Â
Such a mentality is seen through songs like “Chihiro” and “Lunch,” which carry more of a 90s upbeat style — drastically different from songs presented in her last album, “Happier Than Ever.” Her vocals carry a sentimentality that fans can feel deep in their bodies, sending goosebumps across their skin. Personally, I think her screams are perfectly placed and carry emotions that allow people to let loose.Â
The versatility of her voice and discography is something that many artists take for granted and is often overlooked. However, Billie disproved the idea that artists should remain in one genre. She has produced an album that uses sounds and background vocals that linger to create a story through her songs chronologically. This is seen in “Birds of a Feather,” which carries layers of singing as well as playful music to create a softer tone in the album, portraying the bond people have with one another. This playfulness immediately changes when moving into the next song, “Wildflower,” which carries a heaviness that describes the guilt in romantic relationships. The juxtaposition between these two songs embodies the idea behind “Hit Me Hard and Soft” and conveys the journey she survives throughout various relationships.Â
It goes to show how much thought and emotion was placed into crafting such a beautifully constructed album. Her story is depicted through whispers, which carry a sense of guilt, while her screams replay the hurt she felt in certain moments. This new era of Billie is hard to look past, yet the Grammys did just that. How such an amazing album failed to win any Grammy awards is heartbreaking and just disappointing.Â
It is our job, as fans, to support artists despite what the voters believed to be the best album. Her work has always been real, and this album is no different. Billie tried new styles and gave into the sense of freedom offered to her. I would give her all seven of the Grammy awards that she was nominated for, as her album conveys the hard and soft in all relationships. Billie’s albums are a journey, allowing listeners to follow along and see themselves in everything she offers. So, I will remain her follower through all things hard and soft.Â
The interview with Billie and an article publishing what Finneas told fans is down below!