Alessia Cara has defended her controversial Grammys win for Best New Artist.
The singer’s triumph in the category at Sunday’s (28 January) ceremony was met with raised eyebrows by some, who claimed ceremony bosses had played it fast and loose with the term ‘New Artist’, as Alessia’s debut album was released in 2015.
She has now said she refuses to be upset by the backlash, and believes she had worked hard enough to deserve the award.
Posting a lengthy statement on Instagram, Alessia wrote: “To address the apparent backlash regarding winning something I had no control over: I didn’t log onto grammy.com and submit myself. That’s not how it works.
“I didn’t ask to be submitted either because there are other artists that deserve the acknowledgment, but I was nominated and won and I am not going to be upset about something I’ve wanted since I was a kid, not to mention have worked really hard for.
“I meant everything I said about everyone deserving the same shot. There is a big issue in the industry that perpetuates the idea that an artist’s talent and hard work should take a back seat to popularity and numbers.”
She continued: “I’m aware that my music wasn’t released yesterday. I’m aware that, yes, my music has become fairly popular in the last year, but I’m trying very hard to use the platform I’ve been given to talk about these things and bring light to issues that aren’t fair, all while trying to make the most of the weird, amazing success I’ve been lucky enough to have.
“I will not let everything I’ve worked for be diminished by people taking offence to my accomplishments and feeling the need to tell me how much I suck.
“Here’s something fun! I’ve been thinking I suck since I was old enough to know what sucking meant. I’ve beat you to it. And that’s why this means a lot to me.
“Despite my 183625 insecurities, I’ve been shown that what I’ve created is worth something and that people actually give a shit.
“All of the years feeling like I wasn’t good at anything or that I was naive for dreaming about something improbable have paid off in a way that I have yet to process. I know it sounds cheesy and dumb but it’s the honest truth.”
She added: “Thanks to everyone who’s shown me kindness and support along the way. I’ll stop talking now.”