The Grammys shocked the world when they presented pop singer Alessia Cara with the trophy for Best New Artist instead of R&B star SZA. While the audience buzzed about the apparent snub, poor Alessia was left to defend herself from a fan backlash on social media. She took to her Instagram to post a lengthy screed to try to justify the win, pointing out her lack of control over the selection process.
“To address the apparent backlash regarding winning something I had no control over: I didn’t log onto grammy.com and submit myself,” she noted. “I didn’t ask to be submitted either because there are other artists that deserve the acknowledgment. But I was nominated and won and I am not going to be upset about something I’ve wanted since I was a kid, not to mention have worked really hard for.”
The young singer addressed a number of complaints against her, focusing primarily on the objection that she isn’t really a “new” artist, since her breakout single “Here,” and its accompanying EP dropped in 2015. For what it’s worth, SZA could hardly lay claim to the title on those grounds herself, as her own debut EP See.SZA.Run was released in 2012, and it took her five years to release a solo major label LP. However, at the very least, SZA can say that she had an album released in 2017 and several charting singles. Meanwhile, Cara only had one major single, “Stay,” her collaboration with electronic producer Zedd which appeared on the soundtrack of teen romantic drama film, Everything, Everything.
Whether or not Cara deserved to win the award, the controversy highlights the Grammys’ general incompetence when it comes to issuing awards. See the full statement from Alessia Cara below.
to address the apparent backlash regarding winning something I had no control over: I didn’t log onto grammy.com and submit myself. that’s not how it works. I didn’t ask to be submitted either because there are other artists that deserve the acknowledgment. but I was nominated and won and I am not going to be upset about something I’ve wanted since I was kid, not to mention have worked really hard for. I meant everything I said about everyone deserving the same shot. there is a big issue in the industry that perpetuates the idea that an artist’s talent and hard work should take a back seat to popularity and numbers. and I’m aware that my music wasn’t released yesterday, I’m aware that, yes, my music has become fairly popular in the last year. but I’m trying very hard to use the platform I’ve been given talk about these things and bring light to issues that aren’t fair, all while trying to make the most of the weird, amazing success I’ve been lucky enough to have. I will not let everything I’ve worked for be diminished by people taking offence to my accomplishments and feeling the need to tell me how much I suck. here’s something fun! I’ve been thinking I suck since I was old enough to know what sucking meant. I’ve beat u to it. And that’s why this means a lot to me. despite my 183625 insecurities, I’ve been shown that what I’ve created is worth something and that people actually give a shit. all of the years feeling like I wasn’t good at anything or that I was naive for dreaming about something improbable have paid off in a way that I have yet to process. I know it sounds cheesy and dumb but it’s the honest truth. thanks to everyone who’s shown me kindness and support along the way. I’ll stop talking now.
