The Grammy Awards on Sunday were filled with excitement and memorable moments, but one incident involving Taylor Swift has generated backlash from fans and viewers.
Swift, who was awarded Album of the Year for her 2022 record Midnights, faced criticism for her apparent lack of acknowledgment towards the iconic singer Celine Dion, who presented her with the prestigious award.
Dion, making a rare appearance at the ceremony despite her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), surprised the audience by presenting Swift with the same award she herself won 27 years ago. Dion's emotional presence on stage added a special touch to the event - as she received a standing ovation from the live audience.
Swift - who also made history by becoming the first person to win the Album of the Year award four time - enthusiastically made her way to the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles after Dion announced her as the winner. Watch the moment unfold below:
When she hit the stage, the excited Swift hugged her team, before taking the award out of Dion's hands. However, some fans quickly noticed that Swift did not appear to acknowledge the icon or make eye contact. Instead, Swift quickly turned to the mic to make her acceptance speech.
Social media erupted with comments from fans expressing their disappointment and frustration.
One upset fan wrote: "Am I trippin or did Taylor Swift seriously not acknowledge Celine Dion when she got her award???"
"I love Taylor Swift but she didn’t hug nor acknowledge the presence of Celine Dion who just presented her the Album of the Year award," a second tweeted.
Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like: "Taylor Swift will never EVER live down ignoring Celine Dion at the Grammys."
"Taylor Swift ignoring very sick legend Celine Dion during the Grammys while accepting Album of the Year. Wow. Classless personified," another scorned.
"The irony that Celine Dion took a moment to acknowledge the legends Diana Ross & Sting who presented her the same award 27 YEARS AGO… this was not a good look Taylor, I’m sorry," another added.
Despite the initial backlash, it appears that there were no ill feelings between the two artists, as they later posed together happily backstage.
During her appearance, Dion expressed her gratitude and love for the audience, saying: "When I say I'm happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart." She also emphasized the importance of cherishing the love and joy that music brings to our lives.
Dion, who has been battling stiff-person syndrome - an extremely rare muscle disorder - has continued to inspire with her resilience. Her journey and determination to continue her career amid the diagnosis are the subjects of a new documentary titled I Am: Celine Dion.
The documentary, captured over more than a year of filming, showcases Dion's unwavering spirit as she navigates life and vows that the condition "won't define her".
At the Grammy Awards, Swift was nominated in six categories, ultimately winning Best Pop Vocal Album and the prestigious Album of the Year award, cementing her status as one of the music industry's brightest stars. Despite the controversy surrounding her acceptance speech, Swift's achievements at the Grammys were undoubtedly remarkable.
