Taylor Swift won't be the only major nominee to miss the Grammys this weekend. Ariana Grande has just pulled out of the show too, according to Variety, and her abrupt cancellation was due to some drama with the show's producers. Sources close to the situation told Variety that Grande was supposed to perform but had a disagreement with them over which song she would sing.
One source said that Grande felt “insulted” after producers initially refused to let her perform “7 Rings," her newest single from Thank U, Next. They compromised and said "7 Rings" could be part of a medley but insisted that they pick the second song. That offer didn't work for Grande, who pulled out of performing and being at the Grammys period. The source made clear that other artists didn't have that stipulation of producers choosing some of what they'd sing imposed on them, hence her reaction.
Grande is nominated for two Grammys Sunday: Best Pop Vocal Performance for “God Is a Woman” and Best Pop Vocal Album for Sweetener. Her next album, Thank U, Next, is being released Friday. Making things extra awkward for the Recording Academy, Grande is all over the billboards promoting the show.
Announced Grammy performers at this point include Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Shawn Mendes, and Diana Ross. Variety reported earlier this week that while Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 won't be at the show, Korean pop boy band BTS will be a presenter.
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
