Summary of The Weeknd at the Grammys
The Weeknd has achieved commercial milestones and award recognition while experiencing high‑profile Grammy snubs that shaped his public framing of the ceremony. This profile breaks down verified wins, major nomination gaps, and recurring narratives around his relationship with the Grammys.
Key Verified Award Highlights
| Date | Event | Award/Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Grammys | Best R&B Performance — 'The Hills' | Won | First Grammy win; urban/pop crossover success |
| 2016 | Grammys | Best Urban Contemporary Album — Beauty Behind the Madness | Won | Album award; multiple nominations |
| 2021 | Grammys | Best Urban Contemporary Album — After Hours | Won | Album award; delayed 2021 ceremony due to pandemic |
| 2022 | Grammys | Best Melodic Rap Performance — "Save Your Tears" (remix) | Won | Collaboration award; marked first win in rap/performance category for The Weeknd |
| 2025 | Grammys | Best Melodic Rap Performance — "Creepin'" | Won | Recent win; third rap/performance Grammy |
Recurring Narrative: The Weeknd 2017 Grammy Snub
In 2017, The Weeknd led several major categories with hits such as ‘Can't Feel My Face’ and ‘The Hills’ but left the ceremony without nominations in the General Field categories Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. This absence fueled the enduring perception of a Grammy snub, despite later wins in genre‑specific categories.
Category Patterns and Nomination Gaps
The Weeknd has strong performance and urban‑contemporary recognition, but his General Field nominations remain limited. Understanding how categories align with release cycles and genre definitions helps contextualize these patterns.
General Field vs. Genre Recognition
- General Field milestones remain rare; most wins occur in R&B/urban and rap performance categories.
- Genre‑specific wins reflect chart and urban radio impact, but seldom translate into broader field consideration.
- Song and Record of the Year voters often favor distinct pop, rock, or singer‑songwriting profiles over contemporary R&B/hip‑hop hybrids.
Notable High‑Profile Absences
| Year | Nominated Work | Expected Categories | Actual Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Beauty Behind the Madness / ‘The Hills’ | Record/Song/Album of the Year | No General Field nominations |
| 2020 | After Hours (early cycle) | Album of the Year speculation | No nominations at 62nd Grammys |
The Weeknd’s Public Response and Narrative Framing
The Weeknd has directly addressed the Grammys through social media and interviews, notably canceling a 2017 performance and stating he would not attend until changes occurred. This stance framed the conversation around industry recognition and voter inclusivity, which remained relevant in subsequent years as he eventually secured wins.
How Media and Fan Narratives Evolved
Coverage of The Weeknd’s Grammy history shifted from early snub headlines to acknowledgment of his eventual wins, particularly after his 2021 and 2022 victories. Yet retrospective pieces continue to cite the 2017 and 2020 gaps as emblematic of broader conversations about genre, race, and mainstream award recognition.
FAQs
Did The Weeknd ever win a Grammy?
Yes. He has won multiple Grammys across performance and album categories, beginning with Best R&B Performance in 2015.
Why was The Weeknd snubbed by the Grammys?
The most cited factors include genre classification, voter demographics, and the challenge of translating genre‑defining hits into General Field nominations, alongside shifts in streaming and radio ecosystems.
Which year was The Weeknd’s snub most notable?
2017 stands out due to high‑profile nominations and absence from the General Field, though 2020 also drew attention when early‑cycle After Hours buzz did not result in nominations.
Are there verified sources confirming his wins and snubs?
Official Grammy records confirm wins by year and category. Major outlets have documented nomination patterns and the cultural framing of his snubs.