This year has been one of the greatest stints in music for Canadian singer The Weeknd. His released his latest album, After Hours, in March of 2020. However, the record continues to make history as lead single “Blinding Lights” is now the top Billboard Hot 100 song of all time. The album, which also “Save Your Tears” featuring vocal powerhouse Ariana Grande, solidifies why fans appreciate The Weeknd’s musical genius. Now, the Weeknd has three new Grammy nominations under his belt, although the artist’s relationship with the Recording Academy has been turbulent.
“Blinding Lights” is now the top Billboard #Hot100 song of all time. 💯 In Billboard's latest cover story, @TheWeeknd and his collaborators reveal just how they made history.
The Weeknd has openly boycotted the Grammys in the past, after he did not receive a single nomination in 2021. Despite record-breaking streams and a gratifying NFL Halftime Show performance, he found himself “uninvited to the show.”
“Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” he said.
The 2022 Grammy nomination list revealed The Weeknd received three nominations, despite last years boycott. Two of the nominations come for collaborations with Kanye West on Donda, and one for a collaboration with Doja Cat.
It is important to realize that The Weeknd stands on his word. The nomination stems from submissions of West’s parent label, Def Jam, and Doja’s, RCA. The Weeknd’s nomination was, in fact, made possible by a recent Grammy rule update. This eliminated a previous rule that mandated songwriters have contributed 33% of a Best Album nominee to receive recognition.
The Recording Academy’s Evolution with Music
The Weeknd’s boycott of the Grammy’s sparked a “f**k the Grammy’s” movement across social media. Fans and artists openly questioned the validity of the Recording Academy nomination process. In response, over the years, The Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees has appeared to keep up with the evolution of music and how listeners consume it.
For instance, in 2014, they allowed samples of previously written songs in all songwriting categories. In 2017, they made streaming-only recordings eligible for Grammys. Still, the changes are not enough for the many artists snubbed of nominations.
Jay Z who is now the most Grammy nominated artist of all time, first boycotted the awards show as early as 1999. At the time, the late DMX was at the height of his career with two No 1. albums. Surprisingly, DMX has not received a single nomination. Artist Zayn Malik has also voiced discontent with the Recording Academy’s progress.
The Weeknd has plenty more in store for loyal fans. In a recent episode of “Memento Mori”, the artist’s Apple Music 1 radio show, he announced he has completed his next album The Dawn, which will come soon. He shared explicit details with Billboard:
“Picture the album being like the listener is dead. And they’re stuck in this purgatory state, which I always imagined would be like being stuck in traffic waiting to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. And while you’re stuck in traffic, they got a radio station playing in the car, with a radio host guiding you to the light and helping you transition to the other side. So it could feel celebratory, could feel bleak, however you want to make it feel, but that’s what The Dawn is for me.”
The Weeknd is also now working on HBO drama series, “The Idol,” The Weeknd will serve co-creator of the show alongside Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. The artist announced he’ll star alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Melanie Liburd of “Power Book II: Ghost.” With an all-star cast and team, the bar is high for the new series.
Although fans still await solid tour dates, his new single with Post Malone offered up a new bop to vibe to.
With the Grammys around the corner, it is unclear if he will make an appearance. Either way, we salute the mega-star.
Read more on this year’s Grammy nominations and nominees here.
A southern charmer from Georgia who loves hip hop culture and the change it brings to the world. I want to capture what lies beneath the surface of every action and lyric and express it through the eyes of the originator.
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