Al Capone went down on tax evasion charges, and now some fans are trying to take down polarizing rapper Iggy Azalea on a technicality as well. At the recent Billboard Music Awards, Azalea won “Top Rap Song” for “Fancy,” and a petition has been started to get that award taken away from her. As of writing this post, the petition has 19,495 signatures, close to the 25,000 needed to have the petition forwarded to Congress.
The reason given by the petition? Not a plea based on quality, but on fine print. Billboard says the time frame for eligibility for this year’s award show was March 10, 2014 through March 8, 2015. “Fancy” was released in February 2014, meaning it technically was ineligible for consideration. As such, the petition writer wants Nicki Minaj to receive the award instead, for “Anaconda.”
But while the petition is based on Billboard’s own rules, the disdain many have for Azalea is definitely playing into its success. After all, as Complex points out, Pharrell won “Top R&B Song” for “Happy,” and there doesn’t seem to be any massive petition to get that award taken away, despite that song being released in November 2013.
Unfortunately for the signers of this petition, the award is Azalea’s to keep. Billboard released the following statement:
Billboard Music Awards are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. “Fancy” went to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in June.
So, basically, the Billboard Music Awards get to do what they want, and all the petitions in the world can’t stop them. Iggy Azalea is the Teflon Donna.
Meanwhile, we’re waiting for any ESPN anchors to chime in.
(Via Complex)
