Infamous Grammy Awards Controversies We Will Never Forget
When it comes to music awards, the Grammy Awards are the most prestigious in the industry. Every year, the entire music community eagerly awaits the chance to see who will be crowned the winner of the esteemed award. The Grammy Awards ceremony is a momentous event that not only captivates the music industry but is also celebrated by raging music fans around the world. With an aura of anticipation and excitement, the Grammys bring together a unique mix of esteemed artists, talented producers, and devoted fans.
Every year, the illustrious Grammy Awards honor incredible individuals and groups who have achieved greatness in the music industry. The awards ceremony is filled with inspiring stories of success and celebration, a testament to the immense talent and hard work of those in music. It’s an emotional night where fans are touched by the achievements of their favorite artists, creating a powerful bond between the music and its audience. It is truly a special occasion that will continue to bring joy and inspiration to music lovers for years to come.
Read More »2017 Best Album Controversy
The 2017 Grammy Awards saw one of the most controversial moments in the show’s history. After Adele’s album 25 won the award for Best Album, many people were outraged. Many argued that Beyoncé’s Lemonade was more deserving of the award and that the Recording Academy made an unfair decision. The outrage was so great that Adele even gave a speech dedicated to Beyoncé, saying that Lemonade was more deserving of the award. The controversy sparked a nationwide debate and was seen as a major blow to the Recording Academy’s credibility.
Will Smith Boycotts the Grammys
Will Smith’s boycott of the Grammy Awards in 1989 was an event that got a lot of attention. The Recording Academy announced a new category — Best Rap Performance — but instead of presenting the award during the telecast, it would be awarded off-screen. As an artist, Smith felt that the ceremony was not recognizing rap and hip-hop music as legitimate art forms, and he decided to take a stand. His decision to stand up for what he believed in was both courageous and inspiring, and it sent a powerful message that resonated with many. His boycott was seen as a sign of respect for the rap and hip-hop genres, and an acknowledgment of the importance of art and expression in our culture. It was a moment in time that will forever be remembered as a testament to Will Smith’s unwavering commitment to standing up for what he believed in.
The Weeknd Disavows the Grammys
When The Weeknd’s album After Hours did not earn a nomination at the 2021 Grammy Awards, the artist had had enough. The news of The Weeknd’s disavowal of the Grammys shook the music industry to its core. His searing statement of disappointment and betrayal rocked the industry, as he shared his deep-rooted grievances with the Recording Academy. His outcry was met with an outpouring of support from his fans and other artists, all feeling the same frustration and sadness. The Weeknd took a stand, and it was felt around the world.
Bob Dylan’s Performance Gets Interrupted
When Bob Dylan graced the stage at the 1998 Grammys, the audience was ecstatic to see him in person. Unfortunately, his performance was abruptly interrupted by a performance artist named Portnoy who stormed the stage and ripped off his shirt to reveal the words “Soy Bomb” painted on his chest. It was a confusin and shocking moment in Grammy history, but no one seemed to have any clue what to do about it. The interruption was a stark reminder that anything goes at the Grammys, even when a legend like Bob Dylan is performing. Despite the disruption, Dylan’s performance was still a memorable one and will forever be remembered by his fans.
Milli Vanilli Is Stripped of Their Grammy Award
The Milli Vanilli Grammy controversy of 1990 was one of the most talked about events in music history. The duo had won the Grammy for Best New Artist after their debut album, Girl You Know It’s True, sold over 7 million copies worldwide. However, it was later revealed that neither of the two members of the group had actually sung on the album and that the real vocals had been provided by session musicians. This led to the group returning their Grammy and being dropped from their label. The controversy has since become a symbol of the lack of transparency in the music industry and of the way that success can be bought instead of earned.
Macklemore Bests Kendrick Lamar for Best Rap Album
The 2014 Grammy Awards featured a dramatic moment between Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and Kendrick Lamar. Macklemore won the award for Best Rap Album, beating out Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. Many hip-hop fans and artists felt that Kendrick Lamar had been snubbed, leading to a controversy over the win. Macklemore later posted an image of a text message he had sent to Kendrick Lamar apologizing for his win, saying he felt Kendrick’s album deserved the award. The controversy sparked heated debates and discussions about racism in the music industry.
Prince Gets Snubbed
In 1983, one of the most iconic pop albums of all time, Prince’s 1999, was surprisingly snubbed at the Grammy Awards, as it wasn’t even nominated for any awards. This was a stunning decision, due to the success of the album and its huge impact on music and culture. Although the album received critical acclaim, it ultimately failed to be recognized by the Grammys. Despite this, the album is still one of the most beloved and acclaimed records of all time, marking its place in music history.
Jethro Tull Wins… Best Hard Rock/Metal Recording?
In 1989, Jethro Tull, a progressive rock band, won the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Recording for their album, Crest of a Knave. The award was met with some surprise and a lot of head-scratching, as Jethro Tull was not typically associated with hard rock or heavy metal. However, their unique blend of progressive rock, blues, and folk rock, combined with the somewhat hard-edged sound of their album, was enough to convince the voting members of the Recording Academy. This win was a major milestone for Jethro Tull and their fans, and it serves as an example of the kind of creative and innovative approach the band took to their music. That said, the other nominees were Metallica, AC/DC, Iggy Pop, and Jane’s Addiction. How the Recording Academy came to this decision is still debated today.
50 Cent Loses Best New Artist to Evanescence
In 2004, 50 Cent was nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy award but lost to the rock band Evanescence. After Evanescence arrived on stage to receive the award, 50 Cent jumped on stage and circled the winners before retaking his seat. It was awkward, certainly, but after the ceremony, he caused some additional controversy when he said, “I’m disappointed I didn’t win, but it’s cool. I was the only rap act nominated and I didn’t win, so obviously the Grammy voters are not hip-hop friendly.” Fans were shocked by his comments, but many agreed that it was unfair that he didn’t win. Despite the loss, he still had a pretty amazing and highly successful career.
The Recording Academy’s Lack of Diversity
The Recording Academy has a long history of underrepresenting minority artists and genres. This has been a source of contention for years, with many people arguing that the awards show does not recognize enough minority talent. In 2020, the Recording Academy’s lack of diversity was finally brought to the forefront of the conversation. After the 2019 Grammy Awards had no female nominees for Album of the Year, the Recording Academy was put under a microscope. The Academy has attempted to address the issue by making changes to its voting process, but many still argue that there is still work to be done in order to make the awards show more inclusive.
Don’t Miss the Next Big Grammys Controversy!
With so many incredible and talented artists across a wide range of genres, the Grammy Awards will always bring with it some controversy. Whether it’s an artist getting snubbed or a surprise win, there is always something to talk about when it comes to the Grammys. So don’t miss out on the next big argument over who should win and who should have won at this year’s Grammy Awards!
