The Weeknd's Grammy Journey: From Boycott to Surprise Appearance and Beyond

The Weeknd's Grammy Journey: From Boycott to Surprise Appearance and Beyond

The Weeknd made a surprise appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards after a four-month secret collaboration with the Recording Academy. He had previously boycotted the awards in 2020 due to his album "After Hours" not receiving any nominations. Despite his return performance at the ceremony, his latest album "Hurry Up Tomorrow" did not receive any nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards. The album featured collaborations with Playboi Carti, Anita, and Lana Del Rey, and received critical acclaim for its sonic elements.

Republic Records ran For Your Consideration ads for "Hurry Up Tomorrow," highlighting praise from publications like Pitchfork and The Guardian. The album's producer, Cirkuit, was nominated for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for his work on the tracks "Red Terror" and "Big Sleep." The Weeknd expressed that "Hurry Up Tomorrow" might be his last album under his current persona, signaling a shift in his artistic direction.

The Weeknd's boycott of the Grammy Awards in 2020 was a significant moment, but his return in 2025 marked a change in his relationship with the Recording Academy. Executive Producer Ben Winston acknowledged the impact of the Weeknd's boycott and subsequent return, highlighting the artist's influence on the music industry. Despite past tensions, the Weeknd expressed that he had no hard feelings towards the Recording Academy and acknowledged the changes that had been made.