Dua Lipa Addresses Recording Academy Over 2025 Grammy Snub
The 'Radical Optimism' creator has been firm in her reaction to the decision while continuing to support her fellow female artists
After several years of being omnipresent at nearly every award ceremony imaginable, the 2025 Grammys will feature a notable absence: Dua Lipa.
In a recent interview with Billboard UK, the global music star spoke about her latest studio album, Radical Optimism, which hasn’t received any Grammy recognition.
Despite the disappointment, the British singer expressed gratitude and pride in her work: «Although it would have been nice to be recognized by your industry, especially as a woman, I’m so proud seeing so many incredible female artists nominated at the Grammys this year,” the London-based solo artist admitted.
If there were any lingering doubts, Dua Lipa made it clear that, despite not being nominated, the creative process behind the album was exactly what she needed, and the result makes her immensely proud: “I’m so proud of Radical Optimism and where it’s brought me,» she stated. «I love that album and I’m having the time of my life performing it live, and I’ve been able to do things that I thought I could only dream of this year, so I’m really grateful.»
Commercial and Critical Success
Released in May 2024, Radical Optimism launched at the top of the UK Albums Chart with 46,300 units sold, earning Dua Lipa the strongest opening week for a British female artist since Adele’s 30 in 2021. This milestone marked her first debut at number one and her second chart-topping album overall.
In the United States, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with 83,000 equivalent units sold in its first week, including 51,500 pure album sales. This achievement made it her highest-ranking album in the U.S., surpassing the number three position of Future Nostalgia.
It also became the top-selling album in pure sales for that week, setting a personal record for her best opening week. In Europe, the album claimed the number one spot in countries like Austria, Croatia, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Wallonia, while securing top 10 positions in several other regions.
Artists and Grammy Discontent
Dua Lipa isn’t the first artist to voice frustration over a lack of Grammy recognition. Over the years, many musicians have protested publicly or symbolically about not receiving nominations or awards in expected categories.
One notable example is Eminem, who won an Oscar for Best Original Song with “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile but skipped the ceremony. In a later interview, he explained that he didn’t attend because he thought he wouldn’t win.
Another case is the band Gorillaz, which in 2001 declined the Mercury Prize for Best British Album. The group declared that the award was akin to “carrying a dead albatross around your neck for all eternity.”
In the pop realm, Katy Perry stands out as an artist who’s been nominated multiple times without winning a Grammy. Despite being one of her generation’s most popular singers, Perry has received 13 nominations without a single victory.
These instances highlight that a lack of award recognition doesn’t diminish an artist’s talent or impact. Dua Lipa now joins the ranks of artists who have handled Grammy snubs with poise and determination.
The ‘Houdini’ hitmaker stated that making Future Nostalgia allowed her to «grow as an artist» and «have the confidence» to release her latest album. «It gave me the freedom and confidence to be like, ‘You know who I really want to make an album with? Kevin Parker [Tame Impala]. And I want to do something a bit different; I want to work with Danny L Harle and experiment with my sound, do a different vocal performance and make pop music but allow that to live in another sonic world,'» Lipa shared.
Radical Optimism Tour
Despite the lack of Grammy recognition, Dua Lipa fans can enjoy her music live during her Radical Optimism Tour, scheduled to include over 40 shows across Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom.