Zayn Malik hits out at 'lack of transparency' around Grammys voting process

Zayn Malik arrives at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City.  (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
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Zayn Malik has criticised the voting process for the Grammy Awards, claiming the nomination process allows for favouritism and racism to influence selections.

The former One Direction member said unless artists “shake hands and send gifts” they won't be recognised in the nominations.

He tweeted: "F*** the grammys and everyone associated. Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there’s no nomination considerations. Next year I’ll send you a basket of confectionary."

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The 28-year-old went on to say there was "lack a transparency" on the matter in a follow-up tweet clarifying his points as fans noted his latest album, Nobody Is Listening, was not eligible for Sunday’s ceremony.

He added: “My tweet was not personal or about eligibility but was about the need for inclusion and the lack of transparency of the nomination process and the space that creates and allows favoritism, racism, and netwokring politics to influence the voting process.”

Nobody Is Listening was met with broadly lukewarm reviews upon its January release and it peaked at 17 in the UK albums chart.

Eligibility for the 2021 Grammys ended in August, meaning Malik’s latest effort would qualify for next year’s ceremony.

Yahoo News UK has contacted the Recording Academy, the body which oversees the Grammys, for comment.

His comments come as The Weeknd accused the Grammys of being corrupt after he did not receive any nominations for the 2021 awards.

The Weeknd rehearses for the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show at Raymond James Stadium on February 04, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TW)
The Weeknd rehearses for the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show at Raymond James Stadium on February 04, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TW)

The singer, real name is Abel Tesfaye, released his acclaimed number one album After Hours last March which spawned smash hit single Blinding Lights.

“The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…” he tweeted at the time nominations were announced in November.

Tesfaye was supported by a number of his peers, including Elton John.

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The 63rd Grammy Awards are set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday at the Staples Center with comedian Trevor Noah slated to host.

Viewers can expect to see performances by Billie Eilish, Cardi B and Harry Styles, among others.

With additional reporting by PA.

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