On Tuesday, Legend defended West’s actions; however the singer has
now said he does not agree with West’s opinion that Beck should have
given the award to Beyoncé.
Legend said on Instagram: “I want to clarify my thoughts on Kanye’s
actions at the Grammys on Sunday. First of all, Kanye is my friend. He
believed in me years ago when very few did, and I wouldn’t be here
without his support.
“That doesn’t mean we’ll agree on everything, but it does mean that I am
grateful to him. And I also believe he is one of the most gifted people
I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
Legend continued: “In my comments to US Weekly, I said that
when
Kanye walked up on stage, mimicking his interruption of Taylor
Swift’s VMA acceptance speech, then turned around as if he was just
playing, most of the room including me saw this as funny, as a way of
taking the **** out of himself for his infamous behaviour several years
ago.”
“When I said that was funny and people should lighten up about it,
that’s what I meant. I wasn’t referring to Kanye’s comments after the
show which I have now seen and heard. I disagree with those comments.
“Beck is indeed a true artist’s artist. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, a
creative and unique singer-songwriter whose music I have bought and
enjoyed over the years.”
Legend added: “While his win may have been a surprise to many, it’s
not because he’s not a great artist deserving of recognition.
“All of the other nominated artists, including Beyoncé, are incredible
in their own right, and arguments could be made for any of them
deserving to win. This is not an objective process. It’s completely
subjective, in fact.”
He concluded: “We can all debate who we thought should have won. But
even if you didn’t vote for him [Beck], plenty of our colleagues in the
music business did.
“These voters are all creators who love music and have dedicated their
lives to it, and the plurality of them chose Beck as the Album of the
Year. I respect their decision and congratulate Beck on this outstanding
accomplishment.”
