Why Justin Bieber Thinks His Grammy Nomination Is 'Strange'
Justin Bieber was first nominated for a Grammy in 2010 under the categories Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album following his strategically released debut album, My World 2.0. He failed to walk away with a Grammy his first time around and then got snubbed in 2012 for his Believe album, which garnered zero nominations.
The Canadian came back for the big win in 2016, accepting his first Grammy for "Best Dance Recording" á la his collaboration "Where Are Ü Now" with Diplo and Skrillex. Following his win, which was not televised at the main award show, he posted a comical video to thank his manager, Scooter Braun, plus a sweet message to his dedicated Beliebers. "Beliebers. We did it! I love you. Now get ready for the show. Not done yet," he tweeted. He later performed "Love Yourself" followed by "Where are Ü Now" with his fellow collaborators at the main award show.
Cut to the 2021 Grammy nominations on Nov. 24, 2020, and Bieber has received four new chances to win the prestigious award. Although many artists immediately celebrated their nominations, the "Lonely" singer felt like he needed to clear the air about his nods. Keep on reading to find out why Justin Bieber thinks his Grammy nomination is "strange."
Justin Bieber aspired to make an R&B album
Bieber earned four nominations ahead of the 2021 Grammy Awards: Best Pop Solo Performance for "Yummy," the first single off his latest album Changes, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Intentions" featuring Quavo, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "10,000 Hours" by Dan + Shay, which features Bieber, according to Variety.
Following the announcement, Bieber took to Instagram to get his feelings off of his chest. "I am very meticulous and intentional about my music. With that being said I set out to make an R&B album," he confessed about Changes. "It is not being acknowledged as an R&B album which is very strange to me." He added that he has always been inspired by R&B music and specifically chose chords, melodies, and instruments that were "undeniable, unmistakably" R&B. Although Bieber felt weird about Changes and "Yummy" being labeled as pop, he assured he meant no disrespect to the nomination board. "My gratitude for feeling respected for my work remains and I am honored to be nominated either way," he concluded. He also thanked those who fought to get him nominated.
His "Intentions" might have been for an R&B album, but it looks like Bieber will continue to receive acclaim as a hit-making pop artist. Fans can find out whether he takes his second, third, fourth, or fifth Grammy home on Jan. 31, 2021.