Lorde publishes defiant letter in New Zealand newspaper following Grammys snub

'Thank you for believing in female musicians'

(Getty Images)

Lorde has had a relatively turbulent Grammys experience this year. First, the New Zealand artist was nominated for the award ceremony’s most prestigious prize, Album of the Year.

However — unlike the other four (male) artists nominated for that particular award — the singer was not invited to perform solo at the ceremony, only later being invited to perform alongside other musicians in a tribute to Tom Petty, something she declined.

On the evening, Lorde failed to pick up the main award, while only one woman won a major award at the ceremony, leading to Grammys president Neil Portnow to call on women to “step up” their game; comments that have been widely criticised.

Following the ceremony — to which she wore a red gown adorned with a feminist poem — Lorde Tweeted “If you’re debating whether or not I can murder a stage… come see it for yourself” with a link to tour dates.

The Melodrama singer has since taken out a full-page advert in the New Zealand Herald, the largest newspaper in her home country, to thank fans for their support and readers for “believing in female musicians”. She added: “You set a beautiful precedent”.

Other prominent artists to have criticised the Grammys — including Bon Iver and P!nk — while the show’s ratings hit a nine-year low.