8 artists who called out the Grammys for snubs, alleged mistreatment

BTS rocked the music world on Wednesday when they decided not to submit their music to the 2027 Grammy Awards. This comes after the release of their comeback album, “Arirang,” and biggest world tour yet.

BTS’ decision was the talk of the town, with netizens commending them for making a stand.

In June, the Recording Academy announced five new categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards, which include Best Asian Pop Music Performance, a category that drew mixed reactions from netizens.

While some say it's a step toward getting Asian music recognized, many said it ostracizes Asian acts from winning in major categories, pointing to "Arirang."

It’s not the first time an artist called out the Grammys for alleged unfairness and mistreatment.

Here are eight artists who took a stand against the award-giving body.

1. Eminem

Eminem has had his share of issues with the Grammy Awards, from calling them out in interviews to a controversial performance.

In a 2018 interview making the rounds online, he called the votes “fake as f—."

“That’s not a real vote, they give it to who they want to give it to. They give it to their darlings, the f— oh this got critical acclaim, but it sold two records,” the rapper said.

Eminem said he understands it’s not always about the sales. Still, he called the awards “tone deaf to what is actually going on.”

He said he wouldn’t be nominated and win because the Recording Academy knows he doesn’t like them.

2. Frank Ocean

After the release of his album “Blonde,” Frank Ocean did not submit his music to the 2017 Grammy Awards.

“The awarding system and the nomination system and screening system is dated,” the artist said in a New York Times interview.

He further explained that the Grammys do not represent people like him well.

“It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down."

3. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande did not attend the 2019 Grammy Awards due to a disagreement with the producers over which songs to perform, per Variety.

"I don't think [Ariana will perform], there's not enough time to make it work,” the Recording Academy Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich then told E! News.

However, Ariana won Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sweetener” that year, which was also her first Grammy.

"I know I'm not there tonight (trust, I tried and still truly wished it had worked out tbh) and I know I said I try not to put too much weight into these things .... but f— ....... this is wild and beautiful. Thank you so much,” she tweeted.

4. Drake

Drake called out the Grammys in 2020, saying the awards overlooked black artistry and rap music.

"I think we should stop allowing ourselves to be shocked every year by the disconnect between impactful music and these awards and just accept that what once was the highest form of recognition may no longer matter to the artists that exist now and the ones who come after," he said in an Instagram post.

In 2021, he removed his music from consideration after receiving nominations for “Certified Lover Boy” and “Way 2 Sexy.”

5. The Weeknd

The Weeknd has hits from his 2021 album “After Hours” including “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears," so it came as a shock that he was snubbed from any category at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

"The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency,” the singer tweeted.

Fans and artists alike rallied behind The Weeknd, including Elton John, Akon, and Charlie Puth.

The Weeknd then boycotted the Grammys, saying that he would not attend and submit his music again. However, he ended his boycott in February 2025 when he performed "Cry For Me" and "Timeless" with Playboi Carti.

6. Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik likewise called the Grammys corrupt in a tweet in 2021.

“F— the Grammys and everyone associated. Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there’s no nomination considerations. Next year I’ll send you a basket of confectionary,” the former One Direction member and solo artist said.

Zayn added in another tweet that it wasn’t personal, but that the Grammys need to be more inclusive and transparent in the nomination process.

He said the system "allows favoritism, racism, and networking politics to influence the voting.”

7. Halsey

Halsey was also among the artists who called out the Grammys in 2021.

Her album, “Manic,” was not nominated, which led her to say on Instagram Stories that she and The Weeknd “[deserve] better” and spoke about the alleged bribing that happens.

"The Grammys are an elusive process. It can be about behind the scenes private performances, knowing the right people, campaigning through the grapevine — with just enough handshakes and 'bribes' that can be just ambiguous enough to pass as 'not-bribes,'" Halsey said.

8. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj likewise called out the Grammys for nominating her song “Super Freaky Girl” in a pop category instead of rap.

Nicki took to Instagram to express her frustration, saying that being placed in the pop category gave her a lesser chance to win.

She noted there was “an agenda” against her and "a concerted effort to give newer artists things that they really don't deserve over people who have been deserving for many years.”

The 69th Grammy Awards will be held on February 7, 2027, and will be broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu. The ceremony’s venue is yet to be announced. —CDC, GMA News