Okay, let’s be real.
Did anyone *actually* see this coming?
After years of Grammy shade, boycotts, and general “don’t even talk to me about it” vibes, The Weeknd graced the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards stage.
Yes, you read that right.
The Weeknd.
The Grammys.
Together.
Again.
What exactly went down?
Grab your popcorn, because this is juicy.
The Boycott Background: A Grammy Grievance
Let’s rewind a bit.
Remember 2021?
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” was, well, blindingly successful.
Number one hit, streaming records shattered, the whole shebang.
And yet… zero Grammy nominations.
*Zero*.
Cue outrage, accusations of bias, and The Weeknd declaring he’d no longer submit his music.
It was a whole thing.
And rightfully so, might I add.
So, the question then is, what changed?
Harvey Mason Jr.’s Olive Branch (and a Whole Lot of Listening)
Enter Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO.
He acknowledged the criticism, admitted there were issues, and promised change.
And, to his credit, he seems to have delivered.
Mason Jr.
spoke about listening to The Weeknd’s concerns and actively working to transform the Academy.
He highlighted initiatives like the Black Music Collective, Women in the Mix, and Academy Proud, aiming for a more inclusive and representative organization.
Was this enough to sway The Weeknd?
It seems so, as 3,000 women voting members were added, and the Grammy electorate is now younger, nearly 40 people of color, and 66% of the members are new since the transformation started.
The Surprise Performance: Cry for Me and Timeless
The Grammys played it perfectly.
A montage of headlines blasting the Academy, leaving everyone (even those in the room!) scratching their heads.
Then, BAM!
The Weeknd appears, launching into “Cry for Me” and “Timeless” from his brand-new album, *Hurry Up Tomorrow*.
And, to add to the surprise, Playboi Carti joined him for “Timeless.” Talk about a moment!
And speaking of *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, apparently, the album’s release was delayed out of respect for the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
What a class act!
Moreover, proceeds from the track “Take Me Back to LA” are being donated to the LA Regional Food Bank.
Good news all around.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: Ben Winston Spills the Tea
Ben Winston, the Grammys’ executive producer, revealed that keeping The Weeknd’s appearance a secret was a Herculean task.
“Everything leaks, always,” he said.
But they pulled it off!
Winston also shared that the performance required intense backstage coordination, with 107 dancers prepping while someone else was on stage performing California Dreamin, all to keep the surprise intact.
So, in terms of logistics, it really was something special.
And the question remains, how did they manage to keep it all a secret?
Other Notable Moments: The 67th Annual GRAMMYs Highlights
The Weeknd’s return wasn’t the only thing worth talking about.
The 67th GRAMMYs were packed with memorable performances and deserving winners.
- Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club”: Apparently, Winston really fought for this performance, calling it a “love letter to Los Angeles”.
- Sabrina Carpenter’s Win: Taking home Best Pop Vocal Album, solidifying her status as a rising star.
- Kendrick Lamar’s Domination: He snagged multiple awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year!
- Beyoncé Finally Gets Album of the Year?: About time, right?
- The Rock and Rollers: The Rolling Stones won Best Rock Album – legendary.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the big winners:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Album of the Year | Beyoncé |
| Song of the Year | Kendrick Lamar |
| Best New Artist | Chappell Roan |
| Best Pop Vocal Album | Sabrina Carpenter |
| Best Rap Album | Doechii |
| Best Country Album | Beyoncé |
| Best Rock Album | The Rolling Stones |
Wildfire Relief Efforts: Music for a Cause
The Grammys also took a moment to pay tribute to first responders and highlight the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.
Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga switched up their performance, opting for “California Dreamin'” in a show of solidarity.
According to Winston, this moment led to the night’s biggest spike in donations for wildfire relief.
Classy move!
Let’s not forget, though, that some of the stars had interviews on the red carpet.
Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga, and even Shakira took a moment to show off their best attire.
And don’t forget about SZA and Doechii in some backstage interviews.
The Will Smith Factor: No Controversy Here
Speaking of surprises, Will Smith made his first major awards show appearance since *that* Oscars slap.
He participated in the Quincy Jones tribute, a choice that apparently didn’t spark any internal debate.
Winston stated that “everyone wanted him to do it,” and Smith was eager to honor Jones.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for the Grammys?
So, what does The Weeknd’s return mean for the Grammys?
Is this the start of a new era of reconciliation and inclusivity?
It certainly seems like the Recording Academy is trying to make amends and move forward.
And hey, if it means more incredible performances and fewer boycotts, I’m all for it!
The show’s most ambitious sequence was the nonstop musical performance featuring several of the Best New Artist nominees, moving from stage to stage within the arena, which was a technical feat.
Is this a new era for the Grammys or simply a one-off appearance?
Only time will tell.
What’s clear is that, even after years of being apart, the return of the weeknd to the Grammys stage proves the power of reconciliation.
