Ariana Grande reveals why she won't be performing at this year's Grammy Awards
'It was when my creativity and self expression was stifled that I decided not to attend,' says the chart-topping singer
February 9, 2019
She's up for two golden trophies on the night, but you won't find Ariana Grande on the list of performers for this year's Grammy Awards.
The chart-topping singer, who on Friday made history as her newest album took just five minutes to hit the top of the iTunes US chart, was touted to sing at the annual event.
However, the Thank U, Next star has revealed she pulled out of performing after a disagreement over her set. Responding to claims by Grammys boss Ken Ehrlich that she felt it was "too late to pull something together", Grande instead opened up about difficulties behind the scenes.
i’ve kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me. i can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken. it was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that i decided not to attend. i hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more. 🖤
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 7, 2019
"I've kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me," the 25-year-old posted on her Twitter account. "I can pull together a performance overnight and you know that, Ken. It was when my creativity and self expression was stifled by you, that I decided not to attend."
Grande has been nominated for best Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 61st annual awards, which will be held on Sunday, 10 February in Los Angeles.
hope that helps everyone understand my decision. i am still grateful for the acknowledgement this year. 🖤
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 7, 2019
The singer added that she offered three different songs to perform, with multiple reports suggesting she'd hoped to sing new track, 7 Rings.
"It’s about collaboration. It’s about feeling supported. It’s about art and honesty. Not politics. Not doing favours or playing games," Grande added to her 60 million Twitter followers. "It’s just a game y’all ... and I’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me."
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Grande is not the first star to turn down the opportunity to perform at this year's awards, with Ehrlich telling the New York Times that Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino all declined spots on stage.
“The fact of the matter is, we continue to have a problem in the hip-hop world,” Ehrlich said. “When they don’t take home the big prize, the regard of the academy, and what the Grammys represent, continues to be less meaningful to the hip-hop community, which is sad.”
The 2019 Grammys will still feature scheduled performances from stars such as Cardi B, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello, and will this year be hosted by R&B singer Alicia Keys.
Kendrick Lamar leads the night's nominations with eight nods, swiftly followed by Drake's seven and Brandi Carlile's six. Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Childish Gambino are also up for a handful of awards, with female performers boasting a heavy presence in top categories after being largely snubbed a year ago.
Updated: February 9, 2019 12:45 PM
