The Weeknd made a dramatic return to the Grammy stage after years of publicly shunning the awards. His performance, which featured two tracks from his freshly released album Hurry Up Tomorrow, marked a turning point in his long-standing feud with the Recording Academy.
From Boycott to Center Stage
For years, The Weeknd wanted nothing to do with the Grammys. Back in 2021, despite dominating streaming charts worldwide, he was completely left out of the nominations. Furious, he vowed to boycott the awards and refused to submit his music for consideration.
Fast-forward to 2024, and things have changed. The singer, known for hits like Blinding Lights, took the stage in a headline-grabbing return. He kicked off his set with Cry For Me before bringing out Playboi Carti for Timeless, both from his brand-new album.
A Public Acknowledgment of Past Controversies
The performance wasn’t just about the music. Before The Weeknd even appeared, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the elephant in the room. Taking the stage, he acknowledged the controversy that had surrounded the awards in recent years.
- He admitted The Weeknd’s past criticism was heard loud and clear.
- He pointed to a lack of transparency that led to frustration among artists.
- He detailed the steps taken to make the Grammys more inclusive and fair.
Mason recalled waking up to headlines about The Weeknd’s frustration with the Academy, noting how the singer was vocal about the need for change.
Grammy Reforms: Real Change or Just PR?
Mason didn’t just reflect on the past—he laid out a vision for a reformed Recording Academy. He highlighted several key changes that have taken place since 2020:
| Change Implemented | Impact |
|---|---|
| New advocacy groups | Greater support for Black, LGBTQ+, and female artists |
| Younger voting base | 40% of voters now people of color |
| Expanded membership | 66% of voters are new since reforms began |
These changes, Mason argued, have made the Grammys more reflective of the modern music industry. He insisted the system is now “rooted in fairness and integrity.”
The Weeknd’s Next Move—A Full Grammy Comeback?
The big question now is whether this performance means The Weeknd will fully re-engage with the Grammys. So far, he hasn’t said if he’ll start submitting his music again, but his return suggests he’s at least willing to be part of the conversation.
For an artist who once called the Grammys “corrupt” and refused to participate, this is a major shift. But whether the changes at the Academy are enough to win back his trust long-term remains to be seen.
