The Weeknd ends Grammys boycott with surprise performance

nme.com:

The Weeknd‘s years-long boycott of the Grammy Awards has come to an end – find out more below.In 2021, The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) declared he will boycott the Grammys, and will not allow his label to submit his music for awards consideration.

The boycott came after he was not nominated at all that year despite releasing the acclaimed ‘After Hours’ in 2020.At the time, he tweeted that the Grammys “remain corrupt”, and said its organisers “owe me, my fans and the industry transparency”.

Now, however, the Canadian pop star’s boycott has come to an end.During the 67th Grammy Awards, The Weeknd made a surprise performance, playing ‘Cry For Me’ and ‘Timeless’, the latter of which saw he joined on stage by rapper Playboi Carti.Taking The Weeknd’s criticism and call for “transparency” to heart, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

said during the ceremony: “Criticism is ok. I heard him, and I felt his conviction. What we all want is an organization dedicated to the well-being of all music makers, and one that reflects the entire music community, for now, and for future generations.