Ariana Grande and the 2020 Grammy Awards: The Controversy
Greek use to say, 'The gods envy us when we are praiseworthy.' In the case of Ariana Grande, it might seem like the music industry ‘snubbed' her when Grammy Awards were handed out at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020. However, the reality is more nuanced, and the recognition she did receive has its own merits. This article explores whether Ariana Grande won a Grammy in 2020, the context of the award, and why it feels like a snub.
Did Ariana Grande Win a Grammy in 2020?
The answer is not black and white. Ariana Grande was nominated for the Grammy Award at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Album for her album Sweetener. She also was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance for her song from the album. In 2020, she won the award for Best Pop Vocal Album, but the album was for work released in 2018, as Sweetener was released on August 17, 2018.
The Grammy Snub Controversy
The controversy arises from the perception that Ariana Grande deserved the award yet did not win an award in 2020. Here’s the lowdown: despite being nominated, Ariana did not win a Grammy at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. This perception is fueled by several factors, including other artists who won multiple awards, such as Billie Eilish, who won five awards.
Billie Eilish’s acceptance speech brought attention to the disparity: 'So many qualified and deserving people didn’t win, and I know this year’s nominations were regarding A //, released on July 13, 2019. This inclusion also suggests that Ariana Grande was not among the winners in 2020. Interestingly, while Ariana was nominated, she did not win any awards.
Speculations and Reasons for the Non-Win
Speculations surround why Ariana Grande was not among the 2020 Grammy winners. One common theory is that she was nominated but not selected, possibly due to her conspicuously high number of nominations in the past. Another theory points to the circumstances surrounding the release of her album Thank U, Next. There were claims that aliens, or at least the producers and sponsors of the Grammy Awards, wanted her to perform a different song in 2019, which she reportedly refused, leading to her absence at the ceremony. The ceremony had a smooth empty chair for her, signifying her non-attendance.
Moreover, a significant reason for the perceived snub could be the intention of the organizers to ‘make a point.' Some saw it as a form of humiliation, designed to send a message to performers and the industry that certain standards or behaviors may carry consequences.
Ariana Grande: A Reigning Queen of Pop
No matter the nomination results, it’s undeniable that Ariana Grande is a reigning queen in the music industry. Her impact on music and her ability to inspire fans are unparalleled. Even though her presence at the 2020 Grammy Awards may have felt like a snub, this does not diminish her status as a celebrated artist.
In conclusion, while Ariana Grande was nominated for the Grammy Awards in 2020, she did not win an award. This has sparked a debate about fairness and recognition in the music industry. However, given her continued success and influence, she continues to hold a prestigious and revered position.