The Weeknd Makes Surprise Return to 2025 Grammys 4 Years After Boycotting Awards Show

The Weeknd has made amends with The Recording Academy.

On Sunday, Feb. 2, the R&B musician (whose real name is Abel Tesfaye), 34, shocked fans by performing a surprise set at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which included some of his biggest hits against a black backdrop illuminated by lights and lasers and a group of dancers.

For his set, the Weeknd performed a medley of “Cry For Me” and “Timeless, where he was joined by Playboi Carti, per PopCrave. Both songs are featured on his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which was just released on Jan. 31.

Back in 2021, the Weeknd revealed he was “done” with the Grammys.

“Because of the secret committees. I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” the “Starboy” hitmaker told The New York Times at the time

The Weeknd’s statement came months after he was completely left off of the 2021 nominations. After the list of nominees was revealed, he broke his silence to criticize the awards show.

“The Grammys remain corrupt,” he wrote then. “You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…”

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, referenced the newsmaking event ahead of the Weeknd’s performance at this year’s awards show.

“I remember waking up to the headlines that the Weeknd called out the Academy for a lack of transparency in our awards,” said Mason Jr. “He went so far as to announce he was boycotting the Grammys. Well, that made for some interesting reading over breakfast. But you know what? Criticism is, okay.”

“I heard him. I felt his conviction. What we all want is an organization dedicated to the well-being of all music makers, and one that reflects the entire music community for now and for future generations. So over the past few years, we’ve listened, we have acted, and we’ve changed,” he continued.

After expressing how the Recording Academy has launched initiatives including diversifying its community of voting members, Mason Jr. said, “There’s still work to be done, but I firmly believe we’re on the right path.”

“As we’ve seen tonight, music is a powerful force for good in the world. It heals us… it unites us. And we need that in this city right now,” he said.

The Grammys are broadcasting live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on CBS or stream them live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Also Read: Were Kanye West And Bianca Censori Really Kicked Out Of The 2025 Grammys?

 Lady Gaga Gushes About Bruno Mars As They Win At 2025 Grammys Together: I Don’t Know Music Without Bruno

New Releases On Netflix This Week & Top 10 Movies & Series: January 31st 2025

‘Yellowstone’ Is Sweeping The Netflix Top 10s Around The World