In a move no one saw coming, The Weeknd took the stage at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking his return to the prestigious event after vowing never to attend again. His unexpected performance sent shockwaves through the music industry, leaving fans and critics in disbelief.
It was just a few years ago that the Canadian artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, called the Grammys “corrupt” and swore off the ceremony following a major snub. Now, after years of controversy, he has seemingly changed his stance. But what led to his dramatic comeback?
A History of Controversy
Back in 2021, The Weeknd was at the height of his career. His album After Hours, featuring the record-breaking hit Blinding Lights, dominated the music charts. Many expected him to sweep the Grammys. However, to the surprise of industry insiders and fans alike, he received zero nominations.
The revelation sparked outrage and raised questions about the Recording Academy’s nomination process. The Weeknd himself did not hold back, taking to social media to call out the Grammys for their lack of transparency.
“The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans, and the industry transparency,” he tweeted.
His frustration only grew when he revealed he had been planning a performance for weeks, only to be left out entirely. The snub led him to boycott the awards, vowing never to submit his work for consideration again.
This decision made it all the more surprising when he stepped onto the Grammy stage in 2025. What changed his mind?
The Recording Academy’s Response
Over the past few years, the Recording Academy has been working to rebuild trust with artists who have criticized their system. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the controversy directly during the ceremony.
“When I took on this role back in 2020, I wanted the organization to change and modernize so we could be better and serve this dynamic and global music community. But my early days were not exactly straightforward,” Mason Jr. admitted.
He acknowledged the backlash from The Weeknd and other artists, emphasizing that criticism is valid and necessary for progress.
“Criticism is okay. I heard him. I felt his conviction,” he said.
In response to ongoing accusations of bias, the Academy launched initiatives such as the Black Music Collective, Women in the Mix, and Academy Proud. More than 3,000 female voting members were added, and nearly 40% of the electorate is now composed of people of color. These changes, Mason Jr. insisted, are proof that the Academy is listening and evolving.
But was this enough to convince The Weeknd to return?
A Performance No One Expected
As the audience sat in suspense, Mason Jr. made a shocking announcement:
“On a truly special night, what better way to bring us together than this next artist?”
With that, The Weeknd took the stage, performing his song “Timeless” alongside rapper Playboi Carti. The electrifying performance came just as he released his latest studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which serves as the final chapter in his trilogy following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022).
Fans and artists alike watched in amazement, realizing that the long-standing feud between The Weeknd and the Grammys might finally be over.
What This Means for the Future
The Weeknd’s surprise return raises several questions:
- Will he continue to submit his music for Grammy consideration in the future?
- Has the Academy truly addressed the issues that led to his boycott?
- Or was this a one-time decision based on personal growth and artistic expression?
One thing is certain—his return marks a pivotal moment in Grammy history. If an artist as vocal as The Weeknd can be swayed, perhaps other critics of the Academy will follow suit.
With his North American stadium tour kicking off on May 9 in Phoenix, all eyes will be on The Weeknd to see if he remains involved with the awards scene or retreats once again.
For now, fans are left buzzing with one burning question: Was this the start of a new chapter for The Weeknd and the Grammys, or just a brief truce in a long-standing battle?
Source: Hollywood Reporter