Beyoncé is the most nominated artist for the 2021 Grammys. However, she will not take the stage during the show.
On Friday, March 12, the Los Angeles Times reported that the “Black Parade” singer, who received nine nominations in eight categories, has opted not to perform at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. Beyoncé has not commented on the report and has neither confirmed nor denied whether she will even attend the event.
“It’s unfortunate, because she’s such a big part of the Recording Academy,” the nonprofit group’s interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told the newspaper of Beyoncé’s decision not to perform. “We absolutely wish we had her onstage.”
No reason was given for the singer’s decision
Beyoncé has performed several times at past Grammy ceremonies. This will mark the third time in recent history that the most-nominated act has chosen not to perform on the telecast, following Kendrick Lamar in 2019 and Beyoncé’s husband, rapper Jay-Z, in 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported.
News of Beyoncé’s stage absence also comes amid accusations against the Recording Academy of bias against women and Black artists, criticism over its voting guidelines and its snub of The Weeknd in its 2021 nominations despite the success of his album After Hours and single “Blinding Lights.” Beyoncé has not commented about either issue.
After The Weeknd was shut out in November, he tweeted that “the Grammys remain corrupt.” He recently vowed to boycott the awards altogether.
“Because of the secret committees,” the Weeknd told the New York Times on Thursday, March 11, “I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys.”
Meanwhile, the 2021 Grammys will look vastly different this year. The event, postponed by several weeks to Sunday, March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will incorporate some live segments—with social distancing tactics—as well as performances from more than 22 acts, with some prerecorded. The list of performers includes Taylor Swift, Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and BTS.
The artists will perform “in and around” the Los Angeles Convention Center on four stages, each set up in the round with a small number of performers, nominees and guests grouped around it, Variety reported earlier this week. Celebs will present the Grammy Awards on a fifth stage, the outlet said
