Kesha Lost to Ed Sheeran at the Grammys 2018 and the Internet Won't Stand For It

Lynsey Eidell
Updated
No offense, Ed.

Kesha's return to music has been hard-fought, much-awaited, and loaded with emotion — all of which come through in her powerful ballad “Praying,” her first single since her years-long legal battle with her former producer and alleged abuser Dr. Luke. The song, off her album Rainbow, serves as both a symbol of triumph and healing for the 30-year-old artist. But beyond Kesha’s personal journey, “Praying” was also met with widespread critical acclaim and her first Grammy nominations, including one for Best Pop Solo Performance — which is why fans were shocked that she lost to Ed Sheeran.

The victory for Ed’s radio hit “Shape of You” raised eyebrows initially because the category was packed with heavy-hitting female vocalists including Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, and Kesha. But the internet was particularly unhappy over Kesha’s snub, and for good reason. Especially in the wake of various systemic sexual assault cases and the rise of movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, to recognize the impressive work of a sexual abuse survivor seems not only poignant but prudent.

Twitter agreed, and the reactions ranged from shocked to straight-up outraged. “Kesha poured her heart and soul into praying for five years,” wrote one Twitter user. “This is a national tragedy. Let’s riot.” Another pointed out how it’s less about Ed winning, and more about Kesha not winning (an important distinction). “Whatever you feel about Sheeran, there’s just no justifying giving him an award for vocal performance over Kesha’s for ‘Praying’—that was the vocal of the year,” the user tweeted.

But despite Kesha not taking home an award, the night was still a significant one for the singer. She not only earned her first nominations but performed a powerful rendition of “Praying” featuring the Resistance Revival Chorus — one that is bound to leave Twitter in tears for a different reason.

Check out these #TeamKesha tweets:

Related: Kesha’s Grammys Performance Will Be Directly Inspired by the Me Too Movement

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