“To each his own, you know, about what they feel,” he said. “however here’s what I feel: Historically, I wonder that the Academy, for numerous years, got it wrong.
Whether that’s [because of] the system that was there or the lack of inclusion or the lack of consideration of the industry.”
Usher marked how there is a disconnect between artists such as Beyoncé — who drive ratings by showing up to perform or even just attending the awards — and those who go home winners in the Big 4 categories (Album, Record and Song of the Year, plus Best New Artist).
“We watch your show for you to enjoy our artists, and you put us in [top] situation, but then you give it to someone else,” he said.
Actually, Usher himself has only been nominated for Album of the Year once — back in 2005 when his blockbuster “Confessions” LP got swept under the sentimental wave of Ray Charles’ “Genius Loves Company” following the R&B legend’s 2004 death.
Still, it’s surprising that one of the greatest R&B artists of his generation has just been nominated in one of the Big 4 categories twice. (Also in 2005, his No. 1 smash “Yeah!” was up for Record of the Year.) And in spite of winning eight Grammys — all in the R&B and rap categories — in his 30-year career, Usher has never once had that money moment of collecting that special hardware during the televised portion of the ceremony where Taylor Swift has got all 4 of her Album of the Year trophies.