Several artists refuse or boycott the Grammys, notably Sinéad O'Connor, who rejected her award in 1991, and more recently, artists like The Weeknd (due to snubs/secrecy), Drake, and Jay-Z, citing issues with the industry's politics, lack of respect for certain genres (like hip-hop), and the voting system, with some choosing not to submit music or attend altogether.
The only person to refuse a Grammy is Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who in 1991 declined the award for Best Alternative Music Performance for her album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, protesting the music industry's "false and destructive materialistic values". She chose to boycott the ceremony and the award itself, viewing the Grammys as prioritizing commercialism over genuine artistry, says Far Out Magazine.
Over the years, like Jay-Z, Ariana Grande, Will Smith and more have chosen to boycott the show while many others have spoken out about what they don't approve of about the show.
During Grammys week, wedged somewhere between Miley Cyrus' incredible performance of her Grammy-winning song “Flowers” and Dua Lipa's Courrèges chainmail gown, social media users were posting the moment Taylor Swift accepted the Grammy for Album Of The Year—and allegedly snubbed Celine Dion in the process.
In 1991, Sinéad O'Connor made history as the only artist ever to reject a Grammy Award. Despite winning "Best Alternative Music Performance" for her album 'I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got,' she refused both the award and the ceremony invitation, condemning the music industry for its materialistic values.
Adele: "I can't possibly accept this award!" Adele has apparently turned down the Grammy award for best album, saying Beyonce deserved it more.
Michael Jackson won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in one night at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards in 1984, primarily for his iconic album Thriller, a feat later tied by Santana in 2000. He won awards for Album of the Year (Thriller), Record of the Year ("Beat It"), and several other categories, solidifying his legendary status in music history.
Cynthia Erivo reveals Taylor Swift has seen “Wicked” and details their night together at the GRAMMYs: “I was a little late to get to my seat, and Taylor waved me over, so I obliged and sat with Taylor.
Los Angeles, Feb 5 (Ians) Rapper Killer Mike, who won three Grammys during the pre-televised portion of the ceremony, was handcuffed and escorted by police out of the Grammy Awards.
Yes, Taylor Swift maintained a 4.0 GPA in high school, even completing her junior and senior years in just 12 months through homeschooling to accommodate her music career, showing she was academically successful as well as musically gifted.
Milli Vanilli attracted controversy when Farian announced that Morvan and Pilatus did not sing their vocals and lip-synced for performances. Their vocals were instead provided by Brad Howell, John Davis, Charles Shaw, Jodie Rocco, and Linda Rocco. Their Grammy award was revoked.
Some of the most popular musicians of all time have never won Grammy Awards. Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Blake Shelton have several nominations but no Grammys. Rappers Busta Rhymes and Tupac both have at least one nomination but zero wins.
She has never been nominated for artist of the year and has been snubbed four times for album of the year and an additional eight times for record of the year.
Snubs & Surprises at the 2025 Grammys. Sierra Ferrell won four awards. Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish didn't win any.
Cynthia Erivo was disowned by her father at age 16 after a heated argument in a London underground station over something as seemingly trivial as a transit pass, leading to a decades-long estrangement where he cut off contact with her and her sister, though she has since found peace and acceptance with the situation. She's channeled this pain into her work, notably her memoir, Simply More, and her powerful performances, finding strength in the supportive figures who filled the void left by her father's absence.
The full video recording of the phone call between West and Swift leaked online in 2020, revealing Swift had approved to be name-dropped but was not informed about the lyrics and the pejorative used, and that Kardashian has edited the clip favorably.
The only person to refuse a Grammy is Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who in 1991 declined the award for Best Alternative Music Performance for her album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, protesting the music industry's "false and destructive materialistic values". She chose to boycott the ceremony and the award itself, viewing the Grammys as prioritizing commercialism over genuine artistry, says Far Out Magazine.
What about the artists who lose-do they walk away empty-handed? The short answer: There's no direct prize money for Grammy winners. But don't be fooled-winning (or even just being nominated) can mean serious financial rewards in ways that go far beyond a check from the Recording Academy.
34 Famous Musicians Who Have Never Won a Grammy