Super Freaky Girl genre dispute: In 2022, Nicki Minaj objected after the Recording Academy moved her song from the rap categories into pop consideration. She questioned why her track was treated differently from other rap songs. The dispute over “Super Freaky Girl” intensified Nicki’s longstanding criticism of the Grammys and its voting and categorisation processes.

Zayn Mallik's Grammy tweet: Zayn Malik sparked controversy in 2021 when he slammed the Grammys and accused the Recording Academy of favouritism and a lack of transparency. Days before the ceremony, he tweeted, “F**k the grammys and everyone associated,” claiming artists needed to “shake hands and send gifts” to secure nominations. Zayn later clarified that his criticism was about the awards system rather than his own eligibility. His comments came amid wider scrutiny of Grammy voting practices and renewed debate over fairness within the Recording Academy.

The Weeknd called the Grammys ‘corrupt’: After receiving no nominations for After Hours in 2020, The Weeknd publicly criticised the Recording Academy and announced a boycott of the awards.

Macklemore and Kendrick Lamar controversy: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis beat Kendrick Lamar for Best Rap Album in 2014. Macklemore later privately told Lamar that he believed Kendrick deserved the award.

Justin Timberlake’s Janet Jackson apology controversy: Following the 2004 Super Bowl incident, Timberlake was asked to apologise during his Grammy acceptance speech, while Jackson declined the invitation and was removed from a planned tribute.

Eminem’s controversial 2001 performance: Eminem faced backlash over offensive lyrics, but performed “Stan” with Elton John. He later flipped off the audience in response to the criticism surrounding their collaboration. Further, Eminem made it worse with his hand gestures on the stage.

Bob Dylan’s bizarre stage interruption: During Dylan’s 1998 performance, backup dancer Michael Portnoy ran onto the stage with “Soy Bomb” painted on his chest and danced for about 35 seconds before security removed him.

Bono’s on-air expletive: In 1994, the U2 frontman dropped an F-bomb during his acceptance speech. Later, Frank Sinatra’s lifetime achievement award speech was abruptly cut short by a commercial break.

50 Cent interrupted Evanescence: After losing Best New Artist to Evanescence in 2004, 50 Cent walked onto the stage while the band was accepting its award, creating an awkward interruption.

Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s 1989 boycott: The duo skipped the Grammys after learning that the Best Rap Performance category would not be televised. Other artists, including Salt-N-Pepa and LL Cool J, joined the protest.

Milli Vanilli returned their Grammy: The duo was stripped of its 1990 Best New Artist award after it emerged that they had not actually sung on their hit album and had lip-synced during performances.

Jethro Tull’s unexpected Grammy win: At the 1989 ceremony, Jethro Tull unexpectedly won the first Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Performance award. The audience reportedly sat in stunned silence, thinking the announcement was a joke.