Phoebe Bridgers had some alternative phrases for former Recording Academy president Neil Portnow.
On an evening when ladies dominated the Grammy Awards, Bridgers took the chance to revisit a few of Portnow’s controversial feedback backstage on the 66th annual ceremony.
Portnow, who served because the chairman and CEO of The Recording Academy from 2002 to 2009, stirred up controversy in 2018 when he was quoted saying “ladies who’ve the creativity of their hearts and souls… [need] to step up” in response to a query in regards to the lack of nominated ladies within the awards present. That 12 months, the one girl who was offered a solo Grammy throughout the awards telecast was Alessia Cara, who took residence finest new artist.
On the 2024 present on Sunday evening, the Academy turned the tables utterly. Ladies together with Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, SZA, Victoria Monét, Karol G and extra took residence a number of awards throughout the televised present.
Boygenius — that’s Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — additionally received three trophies, together with finest various music album for “The Document,” in addition to finest rock music and finest rock efficiency for “Not Robust Sufficient.”
“I’ve one thing to say about ladies,” Bridgers advised the press room. “The ex-president of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, stated that if ladies wish to be nominated within the Grammys, that they need to step up… so and to him I’d prefer to say: I do know you’re not useless but, however when you find yourself, I hope you rot in piss.”
Bridgers additionally introduced up the sexual abuse allegations pointed in opposition to Portnow — a declare that had beforehand surfaced in 2020 as a part of a blockbuster authorized declare filed by Portnow’s successor, Deborah Dugan, after she was abruptly positioned on depart and finally terminated after simply eight months on the job; on the time Portnow known as the allegations “ludicrous, and unfaithful.”
Elsewhere, the band addressed their not too long ago introduced hiatus, stating that that they had pre-planned their break and at the moment haven’t any plans of returning.
“That’s why we’ve been like exhibiting up and dealing so onerous,” stated Dacus “We knew we didn’t should maintain it… this was our likelihood.”
