The Weeknd Reportedly Given an Ultimatum Before Grammys 2021 Snub

It looks like there might be more to the story behind The Weeknd‘s snub at the 2021 Grammys.

The “Blinding Lights” superstar, who was curiously snubbed entirely after the nominations were revealed on Tuesday (November 24), apparently was given a choice to either perform at the 2021 Grammys or the Super Bowl, according to TMZ.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of The Weeknd

“Sources familiar with the situation tell us The Weeknd‘s team was in talks for weeks with Grammy brass, who issued the ultimatum — us or Super Bowl LV. We’re told both sides eventually came to an agreement where Abel could do both, but not without negotiations getting very testy. Our sources say there’s growing suspicion Abel‘s decision to perform at this year’s Super Bowl cost him Grammy noms because the bitter back-and-forth talks pissed off Grammy honchos,” the outlet reported.

“It’s unclear why the Grammys would play such hardball in trying to exclusively book him for their airwaves. It might be fear of duplicate performances, as CBS is airing the award show AND the game one week apart in February. Still, our sources tell us Abel and co. feel the dispute might have something to do with his exclusion.”

Here’s what the Recording Academy’s chief said about the Grammys snub before this report…