The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, was once again snubbed by the Recording Academy. His 2025 album Hurry Up Tomorrow did not receive any nominations at the recently announced Grammy Awards. The omission occurred during the live announcement ceremony, which featured presenters such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith, and Doechii. Despite the star-studded lineup, The Weeknd’s name was absent from the list of nominees, surprising fans and sparking online conversations.
This is not the first time The Weeknd has faced issues with the Grammys. In past years, he publicly criticized the Academy, claiming a lack of transparency. On X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “The Grammys remain corrupt” and called for more accountability to artists and fans. In 2021, he told The New York Times that he would no longer allow his label to submit his music due to “secret committees,” highlighting his ongoing concerns about the nomination process.
Despite the snub, The Weeknd remains a leading figure in music. Earlier this year, he performed at the awards ceremony alongside Playboi Carti. His absence from the 2026 nominations does not affect his commercial or critical success. Albums like After Hours have received both widespread acclaim and strong sales.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. This year, the Grammys will introduce two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said the additions aim to recognize significant contributions across the music industry. They ensure that more artists and technical experts are celebrated on “Music’s Biggest Night.”
As anticipation builds for the ceremony, fans are eager to see who will take home the coveted awards. The new categories are expected to highlight emerging talent and celebrate excellence in music production. With the Grammys evolving, the awards will continue to showcase the diversity and innovation of today’s music industry.
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