(WANE-TV) – Rapper and record producer Drake has withdrawn nominations from the final ballot for the 2018 Grammy Awards.
The Recording Academy tweeted Thursday that Drake’s name will be removed from the list of final nominees. It didn’t mention why Drake withdrew his material, but did explain his decision in a follow-up statement.
“We don’t know the reasons why he is withdrawing at this time, but we’re looking forward to celebrating his incredible body of work with his amazing fans and fellow artists in future years. We thank Drake for his outstanding contributions to the field and wish him well.”
This is not the first time Drake has withdrawn from the Grammys in the past. The Recording Academy also says Drake removed himself from the first final ballot to be announced in 2018, so it’s not known whether he’ll be featured in the final round of nominees announced early next year.
The Academy says a new set of criteria and guidelines went into effect this year, that should help improve the Grammys’ nominations process.
The Recording Academy has been under scrutiny in recent years for alleged decisions that overlooked artists and industry allies, including Iggy Azalea, Chris Stapleton and SZA.
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