The Most Shocking Snubs at the 63rd Grammys

Every award show brings with it a fair share of surprises, and snubs. Most recently, and after a long wait, the Recording Academy announced the nominations for the 63rd Grammys. And, while the list boasted worldwide predictions and recognised a fair share of musical underdogs, it also left out some of the biggest names in music.

1. The Weeknd Scores a Total of 0

Abel Tesfeye, The Weeknd, had pretty much won a few Grammys in our minds, already. The R&B mammoth had one of the highest charting singles of all time with ‘Blinding Lights’. The track scored a record-extending number of weeks amid the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the only track to do so. Further, his album, “After Hours”, went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed R&B albums of all time. So, suffice it to say that it came as a huge shocker that nor The Weeknd, nor ‘Blinding Lights’, and nor even “After Hours”, found a place on the 2021 Grammys nominee list.

And, if we were shocked, The Weeknd was almost indignant in his response to the news. The star took to Twitter to share his sentiments (rather vitriolically), writing: “The Grammys remain corrupt”. He furthered, “You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…”. In addition, he later announced that he would not be carrying through with his planned performance for the special night. He wrote, “In my opinion, zero nominations = you’re not invited!” Well, at least no one can say that he’s a silent witness.

Gomez Is Left Out…Again

Selena Gomez remains a household name on the “snub lists” of 2020, and that is a sad state of affairs. The pop singer-songwriter, like with every award show this year, was left off the nominees list yet again, when the Recording Academy chose to dismiss her efforts and the impact of her early-2020 release, a studio album, “Rare”. The studio album, which marked a turning point in her career, saw Selena redefining her sound and taking the lead as songwriter on many tracks. But, alas, this album will have to win in the hearts of fans and listeners world over.

Lady Gaga Misses Out on the Big 4

Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica” was luckier than the other two snubs of the year. But, that doesn’t excuse the Grammy Award categorisation of her album this year. “Chromatica” was announced as a contender in the ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’ category. Further, her collaboration with Ariana Grande, the track, ‘Rain on Me’, found a place in the nominee list for ‘Best Pop Vocal Performance, Duo/ Group’. But, that’s about it.

Gaga, with “Chromatica”, recorded one of the most successful releases of the year. In addition, the effort charted atop charts worldwide, becoming a record-setter in 2020. So, one would think the star was up for at least 2 of the big 4s. But, this year’s choice pick, will just have to do.

By: Ahalya Narayanan