Ariana Grande’s new album, thank u, next, is out today, and she’s in full promotional mode: besides releasing a twist-ending new video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored”, she was also slated to be performing at this weekend’s Grammy awards. The latter, however, is no longer happening.
As reported by Variety earlier this week, Grande pulled out of the Grammys because she felt “insulted” that the ceremony’s producers insisted she only perform “7 Rings” as part of a medley, rather than as a standalone song, and that they pick the second song that she perform. Their source claimed that these stipulations were not imposed on other performers.
Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich subsequently gave an interview to the Associated Press explaining that Grande was in talks to perform, but ultimately “felt it was too late for her to pull something together”.
Grande disagreed with this assessment, tweeting out: “I’ve kept my mouth shut, but now you’re lying about me”.
“i can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken,” she continued. “it was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that i decided not to attend. i hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more.”
She said that she “offered 3 different songs. it’s about collaboration. it’s about feeling supported. it’s about art and honesty. not politics. not doing favors or playing games. it’s just a game y’all.. and i’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me.”
Grande is nominated for two Grammy awards, Best Solo Performance (“god is a woman”), and Best Pop Vocal Album (sweetener). Her image had been used in Grammys advertising.
Last year, the Grammys’ ratings were their lowest ever. The ceremony was similarly marred in controversy: Lorde was reportedly not offered a solo performance, and was only offered a slot in a Tom Petty tribute. Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Diana Ross are all scheduled to perform this year.
Watch the video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” below.