The Weeknd (real name of) made a shocking return to The Grammys after previously announcing his boycott from the yearly awards in 2021.

Previously, he claimed that The Recording Academy blocked his chances of winning for his smash hit 2020 album After Hours, which received zero nominations that year.

At the time, he stated the following:

Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys

The Grammys remain corrupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency.

Prior to the performance, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. provided an introduction where he provided an apology and explained the efforts that they have put in in the past few years to remedy issues that have been raised. He stated that "[they've] listened, [they've] acted, and [they've] changed..." before highlighting new programs that The Recording Academy has enacted recently.

In his final remarks, he stated:

"Music is a powerful force for good. It heals us. It unites us. And we need that in this city right now. With that in mind, on a truly special night, what better way to bring us together than this next artist. someone who has seen the work the academy has put in. I'm so honored to leave you with a sentence that I wasn't sure would ever be said on The Grammys stage again. My friends, my fellow music makers, please join me in welcoming back none other than four time Grammy winning artist and global superstar The Weeknd."

The Weeknd, clad in a flowing cape and hood, then performed two songs off his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow: "Cry For Me" and "Timeless," where he was joined by Playboi Carti onstage.

THE WEEKND
PLAYBOI CARTI

TIMELESS

🚨LIVE AT THE GRAMMYS🚨 pic.twitter.com/19R5mnXGu0

— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) February 3, 2025

This surprise performance highlighted The Grammys' new focus for the night, which was to bring the city of Los Angeles together in spite of everything that has happened recently regarding the wildfires that had overtaken city neighborhoods.