The Weeknd has remained unimpressed with the Grammys’ latest push to attempt to improve itself.
As reported by Variety, the organisation made the decision to eliminate nearly all of their secret committees, which were comprised of industry executives and experts. Their names won’t be revealed for obvious reasons, but what can be revealed is that they had the power to make final decisions on which artists or songs, including the biggest awards of the night like Best New Artist and Record of the Year and more.
In response to the committees cull, The Weeknd said, “The trust has been broken for so long between the Grammy organization and artists that it would be unwise to raise a victory flag.”
He continued, “I think the industry and public alike need to see the transparent system truly at play for the win to be celebrated, but it’s an important start. I remain uninterested in being a part of the Grammys, especially with their own admission of corruption for all these decades. I will not be submitting in the future.”
The ‘Blinding Lights’ artist manager Wassim “Sal” Slaiby continues to praise him for all of his lobbying, saying that he’s proud of him for “standing up for what he believes in.” He continued, “I was in a shock when all this happened but now I see it clearly, and I’m glad we stood for our beliefs.”
Earlier in March this year, The Weeknd vowed to boycott the Grammys, announcing that he would no longer allow his label to submit his music, “because of the secret committees”.
Harvey Mason Jr., the academy’s interim chief executive issued a response to the boycott. He said, “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.”
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Check out this year’s Super Bowl Half Time Show performed by The Weeknd.
