It was January 2017 when Ed Sheeran had unveiled the pop single that would rule as the dance anthem for several months. “Shape of You” from ÷ (Divide) became an immediate favourite, topping the charts worldwide, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and everyone was absolutely loving it. However, last night in New York City, when the 60th Annual Grammy Awards went down, not a whole lot people were exactly loving it.
On Sunday night, Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was conferred the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. So, what’s the harm, you ask? Well, for starters… Sheeran didn’t even bother showing up.
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But what really ticked people off were the names on the nominees’ list that didn’t get called to the stage. Sheeran was up against Kesha (“Praying”), Kelly Clarkson (“Love So Soft”), Lady Gaga (“Million Reasons”) and Pink (“What About Us”). Yet, despite the harsh competition from the ladies’ rock-solid singles — all supremely popular tracks — it was the ever-fading charm of “Shape of You” which managed to impress The Recording Academy.
Ed Sheeran performing Shape of You live at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. (Courtesy: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)
#GrammysSoSexist
Incidentally, Sheeran was the only male artist on the list. Now, before you blame the “feminist agenda” for this little grumble, here’s something interesting: the only female who could fetch a noteworthy (no offence) award was Alessia Cara, who took home the trophy for ‘Best New Artist.’
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It didn’t take people much long to notice the casual sexism exhibited by the Grammy Awards this year:
My son is confused about why Ed Sheeran won for a song that says “I’m in love with your body” when women are speaking out about being objectified and I honestly don’t know what to tell him.
— Jen Chaney (@chaneyj) January 29, 2018
Lady Gaga wrote Million Reasons in a healing process to recover from a severe heartbreak. Kesha wrote Praying after being through her literal worst nightmare. Ed Sheeran wrote Shape Of You about a club girl he was horny for. Congratulations Recording Academy. Thank you for this.
— Monster Reactions (@LMonsterReacts) January 29, 2018
lady gaga: has a strong vocal range makes hits, strong meaning in songs,,
kesha: can hit amazing notes makes bops, opened up about her ab*se, inspiring lyrics,,
lana del rey: can sing THREE octaves, beautiful voice, has an amazing message in songs
ed: sheeran
— ً (@WlTCHINGS) January 29, 2018
Praying: about coming back from sexual assault—million reasons: emotional ballad about heartbreak and a big style change for artist —what about us : political song about the government—love so soft: different forms of love—shape of you: about a girls body..and shape of you won?!
— Zoe (@ZoeLemosMusic) January 29, 2018
lol Ed Sheeran the one dude in a category with 4 iconic women and he wins and doesn’t show up. Music industry in a nutshell.
— Luke O’Neil (@lukeoneil47) January 29, 2018
Just. About. Done.
If there’s one song that truly deserved the award, it was “Praying” — Kesha’s powerful ballad on her battle with sexual abuse.
That trophy was @KeshaRose’s for so many reasons — it’s a vocal performance award and she sang her damn heart out and dog whistled for the Gods and you give it to that LOW-KEY ELEVATOR MUSIC NONSENSE?!
— Phillip Picardi (@pfpicardi) January 29, 2018
“Ed Sheeran” is a hell of a way to mispronounce “Kesha.”
— Marc (@MarcSnetiker) January 29, 2018
“Ed Sheeran” is a hell of a way to mispronounce “Kesha.”
— Marc (@MarcSnetiker) January 29, 2018
But Kesha wasn’t one to take it sitting down. Backed by Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels, Camila Cabello and Andra Day — all clad in white — Kesha delivered a bone-chilling live performance of “Praying” at the very stage which failed her.
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Kesha’s emotionally-charged performance received a standing ovation from the entire room as she burst into tears, which goes to show that the importance of real art is already learned. But how long until The Recording Academy gets it?
