Lorde's tensions with the Grammy Awards have been pretty clear and well-publicized this year. As she was nominated for Album of the Year, it was expected she would have a feature spot performing her own song, as the 4 other (male) nominees did (or were offered). Instead, she was asked to perform on a Tom Petty tribute with Emmylou Harris and Chris Stapleton. She turned down the offer; not out of disrespect for Tom, but based on the principle that she should get the same offers extended to her that are extended to the male nominees. On this, the producers of the show said, "There’s no way we can really deal with everybody," a very roundabout way of saying that having the sole female nominee perform wasn't a priority.
Yet, hip flask in hand and feminist essay stitched to the back of her dress, she attended. She smiled when Bruno Mars received his controversial win for 24k Magic. She chose to take the high road. And then she took out a full page advert in the New Zealand Herald not to complain about the Grammys, but to thank her fans.
The message reads: "Last night I saw a lot of crazy & wonderful things. I just wanted to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for loving & embracing Melodrama the way you did. My nomination belongs to you. Thank you, also, for believing in female musicians. You set a beautiful precedent!"
By putting out this message, Lorde herself set the precedent that it is important to accept defeat with grace and dignity, but we must not quietly accept injustice.
