The Weeknd Returns To The Grammys With Surprise Performance

Global superstar The Weeknd made his long-awaited return to the Grammy stage after a three-year hiatus, marking a pivotal moment for the Recording Academy. His performance, a high-energy medley of “Cry For Me” and “Timeless,” comes after his bold decision in 2021 to boycott the ceremony, refusing to submit any of his music for consideration. This move stemmed from his frustration with the Grammy’s lack of transparency and perceived unfairness in its voting process, which he openly criticized, citing his exclusion from nominations that year despite the massive success of his album After Hours.

The Weeknd’s boycott sparked a wider conversation about the integrity of the Grammy Awards and the influence of commercial interests in the decision-making process. His stand resonated with many artists who felt similarly overlooked or mistreated by the Academy. In response, the Grammys undertook significant reforms, including a complete overhaul of their voting body and a push toward greater inclusivity and diversity in the awards process.

Now, with The Weeknd’s return to the stage following these changes, it marks a significant shift in the Grammy’s efforts to restore its credibility. This moment signals not only a new chapter for The Weeknd and his relationship with the Academy but also a broader attempt by the Grammys to demonstrate that they are listening to the artists and fans who have long called for a more transparent and equitable system.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr shared this message during the Grammys this evening: “Criticism is ok. I heard him, and I felt his conviction. What we all want is an organization dedicated to the well-being of all music makers, and one that reflects the entire music community, for now, and for future generations. So over the past few years, we’ve listened. We’ve acted. And, we‘ve changed. We’ve launched initiatives like the Black Music Collective, Women in the Mix, Academy Proud, and others. We have completely re-made our membership, adding more than 3,000 women voting members. The Grammy electorate is now younger, nearly 40% people of color, and 66% of our members are new since we started our transformation. This year, the 13,000 voting members of the Academy, nominated their peers and voted for the winners that you’re seeing on this stage tonight. It’s a system rooted in fairness, integrity, and the principle that every voice in our community matters. Now, charting a new course is never easy, there is still work to be done… but I firmly believe we’re on the right path. As we’ve seen tonight, music is a powerful force for good in the world. It heals us… it unites us. And we need that in this city right now. With that in mind, on a truly special night, what better way to bring us together, than this next artist. Someone who has seen the work this Academy has put in. I am so honored to leave you with a sentence, that I wasn’t sure, would ever be said on the Grammy stage again: My friends, my fellow music makers, please join me in welcoming back, none other than, 4 time Grammy winning artist, and global superstar, The Weeknd.”

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