André 3000, the acclaimed musician and member of OutKast, has announced he will not attend the 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony. The event is set to take place on February 2, airing at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+. His absence comes as he expresses solidarity with those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Despite his non-attendance, André 3000 confirmed that many of the "musicians, friends, and supporters" who collaborated on his latest album, "New Blue Sun," will be present at the ceremony. This album has garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for Best Alternative Jazz Album and a nod for Best Instrumental Composition for its opening track.
André 3000, whose real name is André Lauren Benjamin, has previously achieved remarkable success at the Grammys, winning nine awards throughout his career. Notably, he secured Best Rap Album for OutKast's landmark 2000 record "Stankonia" and earned Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the iconic hit "Hey Ya." His latest nomination for Album of the Year marks a significant milestone as it is his debut solo project.
In reaction to the nominations announced late last year, André 3000 expressed his gratitude, stating, "I’m just happy to get paid attention to. The awards are nice because you know at that point more people get to listen and pay attention to what you’re doing, so more than anything, that’s what I love about it." He also acknowledged the competitive nature of this year's Album of the Year category, where he will face off against Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter."
In addressing his decision to celebrate Grammys night from afar, André 3000 reflected on the impact of the wildfires. "We hope that the rebound of Los Angeles is swift and renewing," he stated. He also shared congratulations to his fellow musicians and collaborators: "Congrats to all the musicians and collaborators being acknowledged. Keep playing.”
Despite his absence from the ceremony, André 3000 remains a beloved figure in the music community. His unique artistic vision continues to resonate with fans and peers alike. Representatives for André 3000 did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for further comment.
