Grammys claim Drake was 'happy' with acceptance speech, despite being cut off midway

The producers apparently offered the artist a chance to go back on stage

Jack Shepherd
Monday 11 February 2019 10:28 GMT
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Grammys 2019: Drake cut off during acceptance speech

While the Grammys may have celebrated diversity, the awards ceremony itself was a near-shambles.

First, two of the night’s biggest winners, Donald Glover and Ariana Grande, decided not to turn up, with the latter having previously criticised the awards show.

Second, midway through an acceptance speech about the pointlessness of awards, Drake was cut-off by an ill-timed advert break.

“We play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport,” the artist was telling the audience.

“The point is, you’ve already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown.

“If there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and snow, spending money to buy tickets to your shows, you don’t need this right here. You already won.”

As Darke began another sentence with the word “but”, the Grammy producers decided to cut to an advert, cutting his microphone in the arena off.

In a statement on behalf of the Grammys, Michael Samonte explained what happened.

“During Drake’s speech, there was a natural pause and at that moment the producers did assume that he was done and then cut to commercial,” he said.

“However the producers did speak with Drake following his speech and did offer him to come back on stage to finish whatever his thoughts were. But Drake said he was happy with what he said and didn’t have anything to add.”

Drake has yet to speak about the incident. Meanwhile, at the Grammys, the evening was a Kacey Musgraves, Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga all won big. See the full list of winners here.

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