The Weeknd shocked fans and industry insiders alike with a surprise performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, officially ending his four-year boycott of the show. The global superstar, who famously called the Grammys “corrupt” after being snubbed in 2021, returned in style, delivering a jaw-dropping performance of his new single, “Cry For Me,” and his chart-topping collaboration “Timeless“ with Playboi Carti.
Dressed in a dramatic hooded coat and signature dark sunglasses, The Weeknd commanded the stage at Los Angeles’s Arena. Smoke swirled around him as he delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of his latest hit. Fans on social media went wild, with many calling it one of the most iconic moments of the night.
The Weeknd’s return came after years of tension between the artist and the Recording Academy. Back in 2021, he sparked controversy by boycotting the Grammys after his critically acclaimed album After Hours and its smash hit “Blinding Lights” were completely shut out of nominations. At the time, he criticized the lack of transparency in the nomination process and vowed never to submit his music for consideration again.
But this year felt different. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed The Weeknd’s past criticisms during the ceremony, highlighting efforts to make the Grammys more inclusive and transparent. “Criticism is okay. I heard him; I felt his conviction,” Mason Jr. said, noting that over 3,000 new voting members have been added in recent years, with nearly 40% being people of color.
The Weeknd’s performance was a moment of reconciliation for an artist who has shaped modern music. His return was one of many highlights from a night filled with unforgettable moments.