When things fall apart on social media due to the tumultuous meltdown of A-list celebrities, it’s usually a sign that the Grammys season is upon us.
Grammy nominations: Beyoncè makes history with leading noms
On Tuesday, the Recording Academy published its nominations list for the auspicious event taking place on 31 January 2021.
Beyoncè Knowles-Carter was the highlight of the event, scoring a whopping nine nominations and effectively extending her record as the most nominated female in Grammys history with 79 noms.
Megan Thee Stallion also came up with four nominations and her reaction — when she was informed of the news — was priceless.
Freddie Gibbs also received his first-ever Grammy nod for his Alchemist-produced Alfredo, a phenomenal feat considering the length of time it took the rapper to get this prestigious acknowledgement from the movers and shakers of the music industry.
Snubs who are boycotting the Grammys
These wins, however, were masked by a wave of complaints that came from high-profile musicians who were not considered for the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Westside Gunn from the grimy Griselda Records was gobsmacked at the fact that he was overlooked when the likes of Gibbs, who share in his musical tastes, got recognition.
So u telling me I had Conway,Benny,GIBBS,Roc Marci,Wale,Tylerthe Creator,Joey Badass, Cartier A williams tapdancing in the booth Prodby legends DJPremier,Alchemist,DJMUggs, Daringer etc. & head of LV Virgil Abloh dESIGN the cover & I’m not nominated ❤️ to ALC & Gibbs tho
— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) November 25, 2020
Teyana Taylor stood up for the women in R&B who were admittedly grossly overlooked in the awards category that only featured male singers, for some odd reason.
I’m not blasting the male nominees. So change the misleading caption. I’m blasting the @RecordingAcad for failing ALL the women that has been putting in work. Women are clearly being overlooked here. WOMEN PLAYS A BIG PART IN CARRYING R&B. https://t.co/AClKJle9mM
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) November 25, 2020
The Weeknd, whose Blinding Lights was the highest-charting song of the year, was also snubbed.
The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) November 25, 2020
These are the other artists who recently spoke out against the Grammys.
Trevor Noah tipped to host the 2021 Grammys
On a lighter note, the Recording Academy revealed that South African comedian and host of CBS’ The Daily Show will be the Grammys host, taking over Alicia Keys’ two-year run.
This was his reaction:
In a year that most human beings would love to forget, there has been one constant force that has brought us together – Music. I’m truly honoured to be hosting The #GRAMMYs, a night celebrating all of our favourite artists who’ve helped keep us sane while we’re all stuck indoors! pic.twitter.com/rmFuBjWeJk
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) November 24, 2020
To see the full nominations list, click here.