The Grammy Awards are often viewed as the pinnacle of musical achievement, with artists vying for the coveted golden gramophone. However, not every win is universally celebrated. Over the years, there have been numerous instances where Grammy victories have sparked outrage, debates, and disbelief among fans, artists, and critics.
Let’s dive into 10 of the most controversial Grammy wins that still have people talking to this day.
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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist (2014)
Perhaps the most infamous upset in recent Grammy history, The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis beat out Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City for Best Rap Album in 2014. Many felt that Kendrick, with his deep storytelling and cultural relevance, deserved the award, while The Heist was seen as more commercial and less impactful. Even Macklemore texted Kendrick to apologize, admitting he didn’t deserve the win. The aftermath of this win ignited conversations around race and recognition within the Grammy voting process.
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Jethro Tull – Crest of a Knave (1989)
One of the most baffling Grammy wins came in 1989 when Jethro Tull’s Crest of a Knave won the first-ever Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, beating out Metallica’s …And Justice for All. This decision shocked everyone, as Jethro Tull was more of a progressive rock band and didn’t fit the metal genre. The win caused such an uproar that the Grammy Awards later redefined the category to better reflect heavy metal music, making this a notorious moment in Grammy history.
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Beck – Morning Phase (2015)
In 2015, Beck’s Morning Phase won Album of the Year, beating out Beyoncé’s self-titled visual album. The internet erupted with shock, and Kanye West even jumped on stage (again) in protest. Beyoncé’s album was widely regarded as a cultural phenomenon, while Beck’s victory seemed to many as a safe, traditional choice. The backlash wasn’t just about the music but also a conversation about the Grammys’ struggle to recognize innovative work from black artists.
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Steely Dan – Two Against Nature (2001)
At the 2001 Grammys, Steely Dan’s Two Against Nature won Album of the Year, besting Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP. Eminem’s album was a groundbreaking work that dominated pop culture, while Steely Dan’s release was viewed as a more traditional, less influential record. Critics and fans alike felt that Eminem’s controversial and bold work should have been recognized, and Steely Dan’s win was seen as a nod to an older, out-of-touch voting body.
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Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2020)
Billie Eilish cleaned up at the 2020 Grammys, taking home five major awards, including Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and Song of the Year for Bad Guy. While Billie’s talent is undeniable, many fans felt that Lover by Taylor Swift or Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande deserved more recognition, especially since they had more radio success and broader appeal. Eilish’s sweep was viewed by some as the Grammys trying to embrace youth culture, leading to mixed reactions.
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Adele – 25 (2017)
Adele’s win for Album of the Year in 2017 for 25 was another shocker, especially when it came at the expense of Beyoncé’s Lemonade, an album that was not only musically innovative but also socially significant. Even Adele was surprised by her win, dedicating her speech to Beyoncé and saying she felt Beyoncé deserved the award. Fans were outraged, feeling that Beyoncé’s powerful statement on race and womanhood should have taken the top honor.
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Herbie Hancock – River: The Joni Letters (2008)
In 2008, jazz pianist Herbie Hancock won Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters, a tribute album to Joni Mitchell. The win came as a surprise, especially considering the competition included Kanye West’s Graduation and Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, two albums that defined the era. Many felt the Grammys were playing it safe by awarding a veteran jazz musician instead of recognizing the groundbreaking work of contemporary artists.
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Esperanza Spalding – Best New Artist (2011)
In 2011, relatively unknown jazz musician Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist, beating out Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, and Mumford & Sons. This decision left pop fans, especially Bieber’s massive fanbase, in disbelief. Many saw the win as the Recording Academy opting for artistic merit over commercial success, but the backlash, particularly from Bieber’s fans, was intense, and Spalding became an overnight sensation (for better or worse).
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Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (2011)
Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs shocked the world when it won Album of the Year in 2011, beating out huge pop records like Eminem’s Recovery and Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster. While The Suburbs was critically acclaimed, many mainstream music fans were unfamiliar with Arcade Fire, leading to confusion and claims that the Grammys were out of touch with the broader music audience. It’s one of the most divisive wins in recent Grammy history.
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OutKast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2004)
OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was an innovative double album that blended hip-hop, funk, soul, and pop. However, its win for Album of the Year in 2004 over Justin Timberlake’s Justified, Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love, and the White Stripes’ Elephant sparked debates about whether it was too eclectic to be awarded. While OutKast’s album is now seen as groundbreaking, at the time, the diversity of the album’s sound led to confusion about its place in Grammy history.
The Grammys have always been a platform for recognizing musical talent, but they’ve also sparked some of the most heated debates in the industry. These controversial wins reflect the ongoing tensions between commercial success, critical acclaim, and the Recording Academy’s tastes. While the Grammys are still prestigious, these moments remind us that even the biggest awards can sometimes miss the mark.
For more stories like this, stay tuned to The Konversation, where we delve into the music industry’s biggest moments, the highs, the lows, and everything in between!
