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The Weeknd Accuses The Grammys Of Being 'Corrupt'

The Canadian artist has taken a shot at the awards show, demanding more “transparency” around the selection process.

After the 2021 Grammy nominations were announced this morning, a bunch of musicians have made their feelings about the awards show abundantly clear.

But it's Canadian artist The Weeknd, who unfortunately missed out on [checks notes] all nomination categories, who emerged with the most dramatic response. "The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency" the singer tweeted. Is Abel alleging voter fraud? Will he push for a recount? We simply don't know.

Grammy nominations are apparently decided by about 20 music professionals known as the 'Recording Academy'. As long as your song or album clears a bunch of administrative hurdles, it can be submitted to them for consideration. The surprisingly confusing world of The Grammy voting process is laid out here.

Recording Academy Interim President Harvey Mason Jr has already responded to the snub. "Y'know, it really just comes down to the voting body that decides," he said. "We have eight nomination slots to fill in [the 'Big Four' categories: Best Album, Song, Record and New Artist], five in others, and the voters vote for their favorites. It's really interesting, though." Thank you Harvey, I am none the wiser.

Nicky Minaj also took a shot at the awards show. "Never forget the Grammys didn't give me my best new artist award when I had 7 songs simultaneously charting on billboard & bigger first week than any female rapper in the last decade", adding she "went on to inspire a generation".

Even Justin Bieber, who is nominated for four Grammys, had a beef to unload, believing his nominations were misplaced in the 'Pop' category. "'Changes' was and is an R&B album," the singer wrote on Instagram. "It is not being acknowledged as an R&B album, which is very strange to me." The singer clearly didn't want to sound bratty, asserting his "gratitude for feeling respected for [his] work remains".

Whew. Emotions are running high. Lord give me the confidence of literally any of these artists. At this rate, I'll definitely be tuning in.

Written by Reena Gupta, a Melbourne-based writer for MTV Australia. Follow her at @purpletank

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