News | Entertainment
19 Feb 2025 17:33
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    The Weeknd made a surprise return to the Grammy Awards on Sunday (02.02.25)

    The 'Blinding Lights' hitmaker previously dec lared he would be boycotting the ceremony after he was shut out of the 2021 nominations, despite shattering streaming records around the world, subsequently refusing to submit his music for consideration, but he ended his self-imposed absence to give a performance of two new tracks from his just-released record 'Hurry Up Tomorrow'


    The Weeknd opened with 'Cry For Me' before being joined by Playboi Carti for 'Timeless'.

    His performance was introduced by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who took over the role in 2020.

    The ex ecutive said: "When I took on this role back in 2020, I wanted the organization to change and modernize so we could be better and serve this dynamic and global music community.

    "But my early days were not exactly straightforward. The Academy faced some real criticism for many in our music community."

    He recalled "waking up to the headlines that The Weeknd called out the Academy for lack of transparency in our awards", noting the musician felt so strongly, he "went so far as to announce he was boycotting the Grammys."

    He added: "I heard him. I felt his conviction. What we all want is an organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of all music makers".

    Harvey noted how the organisation have made changes including new advocacy groups for Black, LGBTQ+ and female artists, as well as a younger and more diverse voting base.

    He said: "The Grammy electorate is now younger, nearly 40% people of colour, and 66% of our members are new.

    "Since we started our transformation this year, the 13,000 voting members of the Academy nominated their peers and voted for the winners that you're seeing on this stage tonight. It's a system rooted in fairness, integrity, and the principle that every voice in our community matters."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     19 Feb: Rich Peppiatt dedicated his EE BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut to those "fighting" for their culture
     19 Feb: Warwick Davis learned he was getting the BAFTA Fellowship while on the toilet
     19 Feb: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has reportedly implemented heightened security measures for this year's awards ceremony
     19 Feb: Netflix bosses are said to have been sent on scramble for a new venue to host its star-studded BAFTA after-party for the likes of Timothée Chalamet after a blaze engulfed celebrity hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse in London
     19 Feb: David Johansen has thanked fans for their financial support amid his cancer battle
     19 Feb: Sharon Stone is set to join the cast of 'Euphoria'
     19 Feb: Samantha Hanratty found shooting 'Yellowjackets' while pregnant "kind of traumatic"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Injuries have forced the Chiefs to keep All Blacks first five Damian McKenzie at fullback for Friday's Super Rugby tussle with the Crusaders in Hamilton More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Meridian Energy's reached an agreement to purchase NZ Windfarms Limited More...



     Today's News

    Rugby:
    Injuries have forced the Chiefs to keep All Blacks first five Damian McKenzie at fullback for Friday's Super Rugby tussle with the Crusaders in Hamilton 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Rich Peppiatt dedicated his EE BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut to those "fighting" for their culture 17:24

    Law and Order:
    A$AP Rocky found not guilty of firing gun at former friend in 2021 Hollywood shooting 17:07

    Rugby:
    A major boost for the Blues as they look to ignite their Super Rugby title defence against the Highlanders in Dunedin 16:57

    Entertainment:
    Warwick Davis learned he was getting the BAFTA Fellowship while on the toilet 16:54

    Entertainment:
    The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has reportedly implemented heightened security measures for this year's awards ceremony 16:24

    Law and Order:
    Three men are in custody, after trying to force a member of a public to be a getaway driver, in South Auckland 16:17

    Politics:
    With billions in ‘profit’ exempt from tax, changes to NZ’s charity rules are long overdue 16:07

    Living & Travel:
    Meghan Markle announces rebrand with rare photo of Princess Lilibet ahead of show premiere 16:07

    Entertainment:
    Netflix bosses are said to have been sent on scramble for a new venue to host its star-studded BAFTA after-party for the likes of Timothée Chalamet after a blaze engulfed celebrity hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse in London 15:54


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd