Halsey calls for more transparency over Grammy nominations after snub

Last week, the 2021 Grammy Awards nominations were unveiled. Although the list of nominees marked a slew of personal triumphs and industry firsts, it also included plenty of snubs many weren’t happy about. Among the list of snubbed artists is Halsey who earned zero nominations for her album Manic which debuted earlier this year.

Now, Halsey is speaking out about the “elusive” process behind the Grammys nominations and why the awards show isn’t always focused on the music.

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The 2021 Grammy Awards nominations have sparked quite the conversation over the past week. The upcoming awards show is rather historic for women in rock. The 2021 nominations mark the first time the Best Rock Performance category features all-female nominees.

Various artists including Hayley Williams and Halsey expressed their excitement for the historic moment on Twitter. As well, All Time Low‘s Alex Gaskarth, Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber are among the artists to share their reactions to the nominations on social media.

However, while this year’s nods were history for rock music, others aren’t too happy about the artists that were shut out at the 2021 Grammys. The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Drake and FKA Twigs are just a few of the artists many believe should’ve earned nominations this year.

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A lot of Halsey’s supporters also came to her defense after she earned zero nominations.

halsey, selena and the weeknd who all released huge critically acclaimed albums and singles were completely snubbed by the grammys. I literally don’t know what to say at this point.

— giov♡༄ BREATH (@zukovenir) November 24, 2020

Halsey, but the Grammys have snubbed her so many times I’m not really counting on it anymore

— jade (@treyann3) November 24, 2020

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i’ll NEVER understand how manic and after hours got completely snubbed. halsey and the weeknd deserve the world for these masterpieces #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/LG35Gvnif4

— kat✨ (@sugarysaturn) November 24, 2020

Now, Halsey is speaking out about the “elusive” process behind the Grammys nominations. Over the weekend, the Manic singer shared a lengthy post on her Instagram story where she accuses the award show of accepting bribes for nominations.

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“I’ve been thinking and wanted to choose my words carefully because a lot of people have extended sympathy and apology to me since the Grammy nominations,” she says. “The Grammys are an elusive process. It can often be about behind the scenes private performances, knowing the right people, campaigning through the grapevine, with the right handshake and ‘bribes’ that can be just ambiguous enough to pass as ‘not bribes.’”

As well, she shows her support for the Weeknd who also earned no nominations at the 2021 Grammys.

“The Weeknd deserves better and Manic did too,” she says. “Perhaps it’s unbecoming of me to say so but I can’t care anymore.”

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Halsey also says that her comments may blacklist her from the awards show forever, but she knew it was time to speak up.

“While I am THRILLED for my talented friends who were recognized this year, I am hoping for more transparency or reform. But I’m sure this post will blacklist me anyway.”

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As it turns out, however, the Weeknd was actually planning to perform at the 2021 Grammys. Due to his lack of nominations, it’s now unlikely he will make an appearance.

“The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…”

The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 25, 2020

“Collaboratively planning a performance for weeks to not being invited? In my opinion zero nominations = you’re not invited!”

Collaboratively planning a performance for weeks to not being invited? In my opinion zero nominations = you’re not invited!

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 25, 2020

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Recording Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr., however, told Rolling Stone that the Weeknd’s accusations are false.

“To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process,” Mason Jr said. “All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.”

The list of 2021 Grammy nods is available here.

What are your reactions to Halsey’s comments about the Grammys? Do you think Manic should’ve been nominated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.