Bad news, Beyoncé fans: the queen will not be gracing Grammys viewers with a performance during tonight’s award show. Although Beyoncé is this year’s most-nominated artist with nine nominations, the Recording Academy revealed she opted out of taking the (virtual) stage.
“It’s unfortunate, because she’s such a big part of the Recording Academy,” interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told the LA Times. “We absolutely wish we had her onstage.” It’s unclear if Beyoncé (or her daughter and fellow nominee, Blue Ivy) will even make an appearance during the evening. The show’s executive producer, Ben Winston, said viewers “might” find it strange if she doesn’t show up.
Beyoncé last performed at the Grammys in 2017. During that same show, many believe she was snubbed when her highly acclaimed album Lemonade lost album of the year. Her choice not to perform follows a pattern set by her husband, JAY-Z, in 2018 and Kendrick Lamar in 2019. They were the most-nominated acts in their respective years, but turned down the invitation to perform.