The Weeknd Snubbed Again: Grammy Nominations Spark Outrage

The latest Grammy nominations have ignited significant backlash, particularly concerning the exclusion of Canadian artist The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye. Despite his monumental success and influence in the music industry, The Weeknd’s absence from this year’s nominations has been met with widespread disappointment among fans and critics alike.

Historic Achievements and Ongoing Discontent

The Weeknd has established himself as a powerhouse in contemporary music, amassing over 86.9 billion streams across various platforms. His rise began in the early 2010s with a series of atmospheric R&B mixtapes, including House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. His breakthrough album, Beauty Behind the Madness, solidified his position as a leading figure in pop and R&B.

Despite his achievements, The Weeknd’s relationship with the Recording Academy has been fraught with tension. In 2020, he publicly criticized the Grammys after his acclaimed album After Hours received no nominations, despite its widespread commercial and cultural impact. Following this incident, The Weeknd announced he would boycott future submissions, further deepening the rift between him and the Academy.

This animosity dates back even further, with the artist expressing frustration after losing major categories in 2016. His album Starboy, while winning the award for Best Urban Contemporary Album, was perceived as underappreciated, contributing to the ongoing narrative of The Weeknd’s struggles with the Grammys.

A Surprise Performance and Broken Promises

In an unexpected turn, The Weeknd performed at the Grammy ceremony in 2025, delivering his song “Cry for Me” from the album Hurry Up Tomorrow. This appearance led many to believe that a reconciliation had occurred, especially after the Academy implemented changes to its nomination process in response to his earlier criticisms. The promise of greater transparency and a more diverse voting body appeared to signal a new beginning.

Yet, when the nominations for this year were announced, the excitement quickly dissipated. Fans were left astonished that “Cry for Me” was overlooked for the Best Pop Solo Performance category. The track, characterized by its lush production and haunting vocals, had dominated streaming platforms and received critical acclaim, making its exclusion seem unfathomable.

The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist has been marked by a willingness to experiment, with each album showcasing different facets of his artistry. From the melancholic tones of Trilogy to the futuristic sound of Starboy, his work reflects a unique musical journey. The album Kiss Land, often considered underrated, exemplifies this creative exploration, further complicating the Academy’s ability to recognize his contributions.

As the music industry continues to evolve, The Weeknd’s profound impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. His sounds and visual storytelling have influenced a generation of artists, and his absence from the Grammy nominations underscores the disconnect between the Academy’s decisions and the realities of contemporary music.

The release of Hurry Up Tomorrow marked a significant moment in The Weeknd’s career, signifying not just a new album but the conclusion of an era for his artistic persona. The artist’s announcement that he would step away from the moniker “The Weeknd” adds weight to the snub. It was not merely another album release but a pivotal transition in his musical journey.

The ongoing exclusion of The Weeknd from Grammy recognition raises questions about the Academy’s criteria and adaptability. As the artist continues to redefine the soundscape of R&B—drawing sold-out crowds globally—his music stands as a testament to his artistry, independent of institutional validation. Regardless of the Grammys’ decisions, The Weeknd’s legacy remains undeniable, highlighting a critical need for the awards to evolve and genuinely reflect the current musical landscape.