Grammys overshadowed by former Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan's ouster after raising allegations of sexual harassment and irregularities with Grammy nominations
In this file photo Recording Academy president and CEO Deborah Dugan speaks during the 62nd Grammy Awards Nominations Conference at CBS Broadcast Center on November 20, 2019 in New York City.
On Tuesday, Deborah Dugan – the first woman to head the Academy, a move meant to usher in a new era for a body long accused of favouritism and a lack of diversity – filed an explosive discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The ongoing tempest is swirling in stark contrast with the Recording Academy's efforts to reinvent itself, and thereby appease critics who long have lambasted the Grammys as too white, too male – and too generous to music world mainstays.This year's diverse slate of nominees – which celebrates a mix of established and budding stars – did appear to be a move in a new direction.
The shift follows years of sharp critique from top-tier artists including Frank Ocean, Drake and Jay-Z, who have all slammed the Grammys as irrelevant, especially citing its failure to recognise black artists.For John Vilanova, a professor at Lehigh University who has extensively researched the intersection of race and gender at the Grammys, this year's field of nominees is evidence of "an environment that feels more possible" for different kinds of artists to have a chance.
"They aren't leading the discourse, they're afterthoughts – and when has Taylor Swift been an afterthought?"
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Expelled Recording Academy CEO Says 'Grammy Voting Process Is Ripe With Corruption': Here's HowIn suspended Recording Academy president/CEO Deborah Dugan’s blockbuster complaint filed Tuesday, the most damaging claims in the long run may be about voting irregularities for the Grammy Awards.
Read more »
Recording Academy Chief Awards Officer Defends Grammy Nominations Process Amid Deborah Dugan ScandalAs the Deborah Dugan controversy continues to swirl around the Recording Academy ahead of Music’s Biggest Night this weekend, the group’s Chief Awards Officer is defending its Grammy Aw…
Read more »
Capitol Music Exec Michelle Jubelirer on Grammy Impact & Why It's 'Too Dangerous' to Sing About PoliticsOn Michelle Jubelirer's desk sits a nameplate that says 'F--- You.' On a coffee table in the Capitol Music Group chief operating officer's pop-art-filled office is a gold statue of a hand, middle finger extended skyward, as well as a sign that reads 'Suck less. Thanks.'
Read more »
Meet the 2020 Grammy Nominees for Best Regional Mexican Music AlbumMeet the 2020 Grammy nominees for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano).
Read more »
Take E! News' Grammy Awards Quiz to Test Your Music Knowledge!How much does a Grammy trophy weigh? And which music legends have never won a Grammy?
Read more »
Meet the 2020 Grammy Nominees for Best Regional Mexican Music AlbumMeet the 2020 Grammy nominees for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano).
Read more »