A major beef ended at the Grammy Awards Sunday … not between two artists, but between an artist and the academy itself — ’cause The Weeknd is back in the Grammys fold.
Harvey Mason Jr. — the Recording Academy CEO — stepped up to talk about all the changes he’s tried to implement in the last four years … ever since The Weeknd called out the academy for a lack of transparency.
Remember … back in 2020, The Weeknd’s song “Blinding Lights” — a super popular track which ended up skyrocketing to the top of the charts — wasn’t nominated at the 2021 Grammys.
The Weeknd then went off on the Academy … saying he wouldn’t attend the 2021 show — citing the “secret committees” he believed were choosing the nominees.
At the time, Mason said the Grammys were constantly evolving … but, The Weeknd still boycotted for years, refusing to submit his music for any of the trophies.
Now, Mason says he appreciates criticism … and, the Recording Academy has worked to make the Grammys more transparent — all of which led to The Weeknd agreeing to perform once again.
The star then walked onstage and performed two songs — “Cry For Me” and “Harmless” — thrilling the audience.
So, it appears he’s forgiven the Recording Academy and appreciates all the work they’ve done to change their systems for voting … or, it’s possible he simply wanted to support the fire relief efforts this year’s ceremony is supporting.
After all … The Weeknd has raised millions for the relief effort — and, his performance at the show may help to raise even more.
No matter the reason … The Weeknd’s boycott is officially over — and, the Academy clearly couldn’t be happier.
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