André 3000 will not be attending today’s Grammy Awards ceremony, the OutKast alum announced Saturday. The news comes after the rapper and singer-songwriter received a surprise nomination for the coveted Album of the Year award, as well as nods for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Composition.
The musician, who is nominated for his debut solo album, did not cite a reason for skipping the awards but referenced Los Angeles in his message to fans, sharing his hope that the city will “rebound” following the recent devastating wildfires.
“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,” he wrote in an Instagram text post. “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.”
In the Album of the Year category, Andre 3000‘s “New Blue Sun” is nominated alongside Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter”, Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department”, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet”, Charli XCX’s “Brat”, Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”, and Jacob Collier’s “Djesse Vol. 4.”
