Album of the Year nominee André 3000 won’t attend the Grammy Awards. The announcement comes as a disappointment to fans who were anticipating his first Grammy appearance in over a decade, with ticket prices for the ceremony reaching record highs.
“Unfortunately, I’m not able to attend the GRAMMYs tomorrow but some of the New Blue Sun musicians, friends and supporters will be in attendance,” the 49-year-old star took to Instagram to reveal that he will be unable to make it to the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday (02.02.25). The post garnered over 500,000 likes within hours of being shared, with fans expressing both support and disappointment.
He wrote: “Our album was conceived and recorded in Los Angeles with the spirit of openness and creative collaboration. We hope that the rebound of Los Angeles is swift and renewing. Congrats to all the musicians and collaborators being acknowledged. Keep playing.- A. 3000.” His album “New Blue Sun” has received widespread critical acclaim since its release, with music critics praising its innovative approach to jazz composition.
André 3000, whose real name is André Lauren Benjamin, is up for album of the year, best alternative jazz album and best instrumental composition for New Blue Sun, his debut solo album. The album marks a significant departure from his hip-hop roots, featuring experimental jazz compositions and innovative instrumental arrangements that took over two years to perfect.
This year’s Grammy will raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts in L.A. The devastating fires have affected thousands of residents and caused significant damage to local communities, with early estimates suggesting recovery costs could exceed $100 million.
“The upcoming Grammy Awards won’t just be about celebrating the best in music this year, it will also show how the power of music can help rebuild, uplift and support those in need,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. previously said in a statement. The Academy has established a special relief fund with an initial contribution of $2 million, inspiring other industry leaders to follow suit.
“We are thrilled that so many artists in our community are banding together at this time to show support for their fellow music makers and others impacted by the recent wildfires.” The initiative has already received support from numerous high-profile artists and industry leaders, with pledges totaling over $5 million in assistance.
Beyoncé leads the nominations with 11, Kendrick Lamar, Charli XCX and Billie Eilish are all up for seven awards, while Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Chapelle Roan have six nominations. This year’s ceremony is expected to feature several groundbreaking performances and collaborations, with special tribute segments planned for music legends lost in the past year.
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony represents a pivotal moment for the music industry, as it continues to adapt to changing trends and embrace diverse musical genres. André 3000’s nominations in jazz categories highlight the evolving nature of artist expression and genre-crossing creativity, setting new precedents for artistic evolution.
Music industry analysts note that “New Blue Sun” has achieved remarkable success for an experimental jazz album, reaching number three on the Billboard Jazz Charts and maintaining a strong presence for over 15 weeks. The album has also sparked renewed interest in instrumental jazz among younger audiences, with streaming numbers showing significant growth in the genre.
The Recording Academy’s commitment to wildfire relief demonstrates the music community’s growing involvement in environmental and social causes. The ceremony will feature special segments highlighting the impact of the wildfires on local communities and the ongoing recovery efforts, with several artists planning to donate their performance fees to the relief fund.
Despite his absence, André 3000’s influence on this year’s ceremony remains significant, with his nominations representing a rare crossover success between hip-hop and jazz genres. His creative journey has inspired discussions about artistic authenticity and the importance of musical exploration in contemporary culture.
