By Latifa Waithera Zain
Earlier this month, Zayn Malik took to Twitter to express his grievances with the Grammys. The British singer posted a series of tweets flipping the Grammys off. “If you don’t shake hands and send gifts, there’s no nomination considerations,” he said.
Although the former One Direction star did not meet eligibility and was never going to be considered for this year’s award show, he still felt the need to voice his opinion. He clarified that those tweets were not about him specifically, but the general lack of inclusion in the award show. The same screams The Weeknd made last year when the nominations were first announced.
Although I am personally not a fan of The Weeknd, I believe the Canadian had every right to be angry. The singer spent the whole of 2020 in the charts, literally. His song “Blinding Lights” was the first song to ever spend a full year in the Billboards Top 10. It peaked at number one in 34 different countries and was the best-performing single of 2020.
“Blinding Lights” was the first single released from his fourth studio album After Hours, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for a full month. “I can’t believe he wasn’t even nominated, it makes no sense,” said Angela Milano, a senior at the University of Tampa.
Then there was Beyoncé. The Queen Bey wrote and directed one of the best visual albums of recent years. The costume design, the transitions, the incredible choreography, Black is King was IT. However, Beyonce lost the award for best Music Film to Linda Ronstadt. No offence to Linda, but I was almost certain Black is King had it. Just as certain as I was in 2017 when Lemonade was nominated for the same category and lost. We’ll always have Homecoming.
Beyoncé’s mentees Chloe x Halle were also among the singers snubbed by the Grammys, some others included Doja Cat and BTS. Chloe x Halle had arguably their best year musically in 2020. They wrote and produced their second studio album, Ungodly Hour. Their hit single “Do it” was the girl’s first ever entry in the Billboard hot 100.
The sisters completely killed the game with their pandemic performances. The variety, the range, the incredible vocals, there really wasn’t anyone doing it like my girls last year. I am starting to think the Grammys have no taste.
No, I’m being serious. I am not too sure the Grammys committee actually listens to music. Even in the past, the Grammys have made questionable decisions. Rapper and songwriter, Nas, won his first Grammy this year. Although he very much deserved it, the fact that this was his FIRST ever Grammy is something I’m still trying to process.
The rapper began his career in 1991 and has released 12 albums since, seven of which are certified Platinum. His ninth studio album debuted at number one making it his fifth album to ever do so. How was this his first ever Grammy win?
Don’t even get me started on Miriah Carey. Carey spends every single year at the top of the charts with her hit single “All I want for Christmas.” “I mean is it really Christmas if that song is not blasted all over radios worldwide?” Milano asked. I think not.
Carey has broken more records than I could possibly count. She’s the first ever artist to have their first five singles debut at number one. She holds the record for most number one single not just by any female artist, but a female songwriter and producer. She’s had 19 songs debut at number one and is the highest certified female artist.
Carey has only won five Grammys. She’s been in the music scene for three decades and has only won FIVE Grammys. Billie Ellish won more last year alone. This is no hate towards Ellish, I love her. What I’m trying to say is that Carey is literally the blueprint. Who’s making songs like “Emotions”? “My All”? “Honey”? All the girls wish they had her vocal range. Only five Grammys makes no sense.
I stand with Zayn in this fight for transparency. The Grammys have not proved to me that they know what they are doing.
