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Will Grammys blacklist Halsey? Singer says award is more about 'knowing right people' than music: 'Scammys'

Halsey wrote, 'Grammys...can often be about behind the scenes private performances, knowing the right people, campaigning through the grapevine...'

Ever since the announcement of the 2020 Grammy Awards nominations was made, the Recording Academy has received flack from fans and artistes alike. First, The Weeknd, whose studio album 'After Hours' was one of 2020's most commercially successful releases, called the Recording Academy and Grammys "corrupt as ever" after he did not receive a single nomination. Fans were also angry at the fact that Justin Bieber received four nominations while other artistes weren't nominated for any category. Now, singer Halsey, who released her third studio album 'Manic' in 2020, has joined the group of voices criticizing the Recording Academy.

In an Instagram story, the singer wrote, "I've been thinking and wanted to choose my words carefully because a lot of people have extended sympathy and apology to me since the Grammy nominations. The Grammys are an elusive process. It can often be about behind the scenes private performances, knowing the right people, campaigning through the grapevine, with the right handshakes and 'bribes' that can be just ambiguous enough to pass as 'not-bribes'. And if you get that far, it's about committing to exclusive TV performances and making sure you help the Academy make their millions in advertising on the night of the show."

She continued: "Perhaps sometimes it is (!!) but it's not always about the music or quality or culture. Just wanted to get that off my chest. The Weeknd deserves better, and 'Manic' did too. Perhaps it's unbecoming of me to say so but I can't care anymore. While I am thrilled for my talented friends who were recognized this year, I am hoping for more transparency or reform. But I'm sure this post will blacklist me anyway."

Fan reactions

One user took to Twitter and wrote, "Halsey actually summed up how the Grammy committee works pretty well. I wouldn't describe the Grammys as a "rigged" process considering it's based on the committee/connections and their thoughts which obviously can lead to bias," while another said, "if Katy Perry, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj along with many other artists got snubbed we all know the Scammys are just Scammys." One more added, "Halsey is not afraid to step up. I was so pissed that 'Manic', a masterpiece & The Weeknd were frozen out from Grammy nominations. That Justin Bieber was nominated for anything shows the failure of the Recording Academy to really give a damn about true quality. It’s a farce that that is how they promote Grammys."

A different user tweeted, "If the Grammys are so wrong for their nominations and it's all about bribes and whatnot, why are all these talented people boohooing about it? Go make music and move on. Especially if you already won or have been nominated before," while another said, "Period! I’m sure Halsey will be blacklisted as well but tbh who needs the Scammys? Sorry I meant the Grammys, they're trash so many artists were ignored I’m not supporting those awful awards anymore bye."

At the 2021 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé received the most nominations with nine, followed by Dua Lipa, Roddy Ricch and Taylor Swift with six each.