The 2025 Grammy Awards are in full effect, the red carpet has been rolled out, and the music industry’s biggest names are (mostly) present.
But let’s be real, the drama isn’t just about who wins; it’s also about who *isn’t* there.
While stars like Doechii, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan are all expected to light up the night, a few notable names decided to sit this one out.
So, grab your popcorn, folks, because we’re diving into the list of no-shows and the juicy reasons behind their absences.
The Notable Absentees of the 2025 Grammy Awards
First up, we have the enigmatic André 3000.
Now, this one stings a little, doesn’t it?
André, a true legend, posted on Instagram that he wouldn’t be making it, though some of his New Blue Sun collaborators would be there in spirit.
He even threw in a shout-out to the city of Los Angeles, where the album was conceived, hoping for its “swift and renewing rebound.” And here’s the kicker – *he’s actually nominated for Album of the Year, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best Instrumental Composition!* Talk about an understated king, right?
Next on the list is Travis Kelce, and let’s be honest, this one isn’t exactly shocking.
As Taylor Swift’s +1, his invite was pretty much a given, but the Chiefs are gearing up for the Super Bowl next Sunday.
A source even spilled the tea, confirming that while Travis would have loved to be there with Taylor, she’s totally supported and knows he’ll be cheering her on from afar.
It’s the ultimate long-distance relationship flex, wouldn’t you agree?
Ariana Grande also gave the Grammys a miss.
She’s currently knee-deep in the Wicked press tour, which is pretty much a full-time job in itself, especially with the Oscars thrown into the mix.
And here’s the interesting part…
Ari’s album, *Eternal Sunshine*, didn’t snag any nominations in the major categories like Record of the Year or Album of the Year.
It’s a pretty compelling reason to skip, wouldn’t you say?
Then we have Selena Gomez, whose absence has some folks wondering.
As a multi-hyphenate superstar, many expected her to light up the red carpet; but alas, no dice.
She didn’t receive any nominations for her latest single “Love On,” which, let’s face it, was a bit of a bop.
Sometimes, the music industry can be a tough crowd.
Dua Lipa, who absolutely *slayed* the 2024 Grammys, was also a no-show this year.
Her third studio album didn’t earn any nods in the general or pop categories, so her absence, while a bit of a bummer, isn’t exactly surprising.
We were all rooting for her though!
And now…
onto more absences, shall we?
Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox were no-shows, too.
This wasn’t a shocker though, given Megan and MGK’s current relationship status.
Plus, his last album, *Mainstream Sellout*, came out way back in 2022, so he wasn’t really in the running for any awards this year.
Let’s be real, life is complicated, and sometimes, you’ve just got to skip the party.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, were unsurprisingly, not in attendance at the Grammys.
Rihanna hasn’t released new music in *years* and A$AP Rocky’s last album is long overdue, though it’s slated to drop sometime in early 2025.
And did you know that Rocky is currently dealing with some legal stuff regarding some allegations of a shooting?
Yep, these guys were clearly not in a party mood.
Harry Styles also opted out of the ceremony, for the second year in a row.
This isn’t a huge shocker since he wasn’t performing, presenting, or up for any awards this year.
The man is busy, and skipping the Grammys might just be his way of keeping his sanity intact.
The Biebers, Justin and Hailey, continued their streak of avoiding the Grammys, making it three years in a row.
Justin has no nominations, no performances, and they’ve also got a five-month-old at home.
A night off for these two is much needed, don’t you think?
Tyla, who won her first Grammy in 2024, opted out of this year’s ceremony.
Though her debut album got a ton of praise, it didn’t score any nominations this year.
A bit of a head-scratcher, but it is what it is, right?
Doja Cat is also amongst those who did not show up.
Her most recent album, *Scarlet,* got zero love from the Recording Academy, which might just explain her decision not to show face this year.
Sometimes, you’ve gotta give the awards shows the ol’ pass.
Megan Thee Stallion’s third studio album also got snubbed by the Grammy nomination committee.
She earned her first solo Hot 100 No.
1 hit with “Hiss” and continued with hits like “Mamushi,” but it was still not enough to score her some love at the Grammys.
It’s gotta sting, right?
Jelly Roll was actually nominated for two Grammys this year – Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “I Am Not Okay” – but he decided not to attend, possibly because he wasn’t presenting or performing, and he’s busy touring his “Beautifully Broken” tour.
Talk about a busy schedule!
Lana Del Rey, who has racked up 11 nominations throughout her career *but never won,* also decided to skip the ceremony.
Her latest album, *Lasso*, isn’t out yet, and its first single, “Tough,” didn’t receive any Grammy love, so it’s no huge surprise that she stayed home.
Is it possible she’s just over the award show chaos?
Last, but not least, is Bad Bunny.
Even though he was up for Best Música Urbana Album, Benito bummed out his fans by skipping the ceremony.
Looks like this is a wrap on our list of the no-shows for this year’s Grammys.
Well be adding to this list as more news trickles in!
The Big Takeaway
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this?
The 2025 Grammys are, once again, proving that not every star is willing to play the game.
Between album snubs, hectic schedules, and personal matters, there’s a lot that goes into deciding whether or not to grace an award show with your presence.
And while we missed seeing these stars on the red carpet, their reasons for skipping are certainly understandable.
Do you think their absence will affect the show’s overall buzz, or will the stars who *did* show up carry the night?