Published: 2025/10/03 16:50:19
The Weeknd and Drake Re-Engage with the Grammys
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Artists who previously voiced concerns and even boycotted the Grammy Awards are now back in contention for major accolades. Both The Weeknd and Drake have submitted albums for consideration at the 68th GRAMMY Awards in 2026, signaling a potential shift in their relationship with the Recording Academy.
The Weeknd’s Return with Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd is seeking recognition for his recently released album, Hurry up Tomorrow, submitting it for over a dozen categories. This includes bids for the prestigious Album, Song, and Record of the Year awards. His submissions span multiple genres, including pop, R&B, and rap, demonstrating the album’s diverse sound. He is also on the ballot for his featured appearance on Playboi Carti’s popular track, “Rather Lie.” EBONY Magazine first reported this news.
This submission marks a meaningful moment for The Weeknd, who publicly criticized the Recording Academy in 2021 after receiving no nominations for his critically acclaimed album, After Hours. He called the Grammys “blind” and vowed to no longer submit his work for consideration. Billboard detailed his initial stance and subsequent performance at the 2024 ceremony.
Drake’s Collaborative Project in the running
Drake is also back on the Grammy ballot, submitting his collaborative project with PartyNextDoor.While details about the specific project haven’t been widely publicized, his inclusion indicates a renewed engagement with the awards show. Like The Weeknd, Drake has previously expressed frustration with the Grammy Awards, questioning their relevance and fairness. Complex provides a history of Drake’s criticisms of the grammys.
Why This Matters
The re-engagement of both The Weeknd and Drake is noteworthy for several reasons. It suggests that the Recording Academy might potentially be addressing some of the concerns raised by these artists and others regarding diversity, clarity, and the voting process. The grammys have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over allegations of bias and a lack of depiction for certain genres and artists.
The Recording Academy has implemented changes in recent years, including diversifying its membership and revising its voting rules, in an effort to address these criticisms. The Recording Academy outlines these changes on its official website.
Key Takeaways
- The Weeknd has submitted his album hurry Up Tomorrow for 13 Grammy categories.
- Drake is on the ballot for a collaborative project with PartyNextDoor.
- Both artists previously boycotted the Grammys due to concerns about fairness and representation.
- Their submissions suggest a potential shift in their relationship with the Recording Academy.
The 68th GRAMMY Awards will be closely watched to see if these artists receive the recognition they feel they deserve. Their participation, and potential success, could signal a new era of inclusivity and fairness within the music industry’s most prestigious awards show.