grammys 2022

A Bunch of Major Artists Didn’t Attend the Grammys

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

Hours before the 2022 Grammys’ scheduled start, Ariana Grande announced that she would not be attending this year’s awards show. We all let out one somber yuh in her absence. But Grande, who was nominated for three Grammys this year, was far from the only major recording artist to miss the ceremony.

Taylor Swift, Kanye West, the Weeknd, Adele, Lana Del Rey, and Selena Gomez were just some of the celebrities who appeared to skip out on this year’s show despite their nominations. Foo Fighters pulled out of the show after the unexpected death of drummer, Taylor Hawkins. The band won three Grammys, and Hawkins received a special tribute to kick off this year’s “In Memoriam” segment. A few days ahead of the show, Miranda Lambert, who was up for two Grammys, shared that she wouldn’t be attending, saying, “I’m slammed this month.” An incredible way to RSVP “no”! Drake, who withdrew his 2022 Grammy nominations, also didn’t attend Sunday night’s show.

Kanye West, who changed his name to Ye late last year, was originally supposed to perform during the show. However, on March 19, his rep announced that he’d been barred from performing due to his “concerning online behavior.” (In addition to his posts about ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her current boyfriend, Pete Davidson, Ye has posted disparaging remarks about laundry list of celebrities, including fellow Grammy nominee Billie Eilish, and Grammy host Trevor Noah.) Officials later clarified he is not banned from attending the show. Regardless, he didn’t show up.

Cardi B, whose song “Up” was nominated for Best Rap Performance, deleted her Twitter after some fans appeared to harass her for not attending the Grammys.

A Bunch of Major Artists Didn’t Attend the Grammys