Audio By Carbonatix
The Weeknd has said he will boycott future Grammy Awards after being snubbed in this year's nominations.
The Canadian pop star, whose single Blinding Lights was the biggest-seller in the world last year, was not shortlisted for a single award.
He later called the lack of recognition "an attack".
In a new statement ahead of Sunday's ceremony, the singer said: "I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys."
He said he would remain absent from the event until the Recording Academy, which organises the awards, got rid of the "secret committees" that decide many of the nominations.
The Grammys voting procedures are notoriously opaque, with review committees having the final say in 72 of the 83 categories.
The anonymous panels, which can include musicians, record label staff and experts, review the initial choices of the Grammy voters and have the final say over who makes the shortlist.
Organisers say they are vital to ensuring the awards are balanced, but many artists are suspicious about a procedure that means votes can be overruled.
Earlier this week, former One Direction star Zayn Malik criticized the "lack of transparency of the nomination process", saying the current system "allows favouritism, racism, and networking politics to influence the voting".
The Weeknd isn't the first artist to withdraw. Drake declined to submit his 2018 album More Life for Grammys consideration, while Frank Ocean chose not to participate in 2017.
"I think the infrastructure of the awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated," he said. "I'd rather this be my Colin Kaepernick moment for the Grammys than sit there in the audience."
Responding to The Weeknd's statement, the Recording Academy's acting chief executive Harvey Mason Jr said the organisation was "constantly changing".
He told the New York Times: "We're all disappointed when anyone is upset. But I will say that we are constantly evolving. And this year, as in past years, we are going to take a hard look at how to improve our awards process, including the nomination review committees."
The 63rd Grammys will take place in Los Angeles this Sunday, with performances from Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
Beyonce leads the way with nine nominations, while Taylor Swift is favourite to pick up the coveted album of the year award, for her first lockdown record Folklore.
If she wins, Swift will become the first woman to scoop the best album prize three times. Only three other artists have done it before - Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.
Latest Stories
-
Elevate Africa confirms presidents, vice presidents and ministers for 2026 Annual Convening in Accra
16 minutes -
Keta MP commissions 60-seater kindergarten facility to replace unsafe structure
20 minutes -
Salomey Awiti-Baffoe’s lawyers welcome GH¢100,000 bail after earlier rejection
22 minutes -
Domestic tourism and its impact on the local economy
30 minutes -
Top-Up Pharmacy wins Community Pharmacy Chain of the Year at 2026 PSGH Pharma Excellence Awards
30 minutes -
Nigeria military aircraft with 32 on board crashes
33 minutes -
Black Stars need a coach who can inspire players to perform – Ignatius Osei Fosu
34 minutes -
Revenue collector crushed to death on Kasoa-Winneba highway
38 minutes -
GPL Week 5: Stephen Amankona, 8 other outstanding players win NASCO awards
40 minutes -
NPP’s new leadership team has experience to deliver – Dr Asah-Asante
40 minutes -
Mahama committed to developing Volta Region – Chief of Staff
41 minutes -
NPP’s new leadership offers no renewal after ‘micro minority’ defeat – NDC’s Abeiku Hayford
43 minutes -
Blackstar Experience to hold fashion show and summit in November
43 minutes -
Prof Mike Oquaye backs Kojo Bamba’s call for stronger ballot protection
53 minutes -
If police won’t protect you, you’ll protect yourself – Prof Mike Oquaye backs Kojo Bamba’s election
54 minutes