The 2020 Grammy Awards failed to hit a high note in the ratings.
Sunday night’s broadcast on CBS slipped in the key ratings demo, and brought in the lowest number of total viewers in 12 years. The telecast drew a 5.4 rating in adults 18-49 and 18.7 million viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That was down from last year’s show, which drew a 5.6 rating and 19.88 million viewers.
In terms of Grammy ratings over the years, Sunday’s broadcast hit an all-time demo low, and drew the smallest audience since 2008 when 17.18 million viewers watched.
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Still, the telecast was the highest-rated show on Sunday night. It should also be noted that other recent awards shows have suffered ratings declines as well.
The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards saw Billie Eilish win five awards, including the four top categories — song of the year, album of the year, record of the year, and best new artist.
Lizzo went into the night with a leading eight nominations. She won three awards — best pop solo performance, best traditional R&B performance, and best urban contemporary album.
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The awards were held with the Recording Academy, which hands out the Grammys, dogged by controversy.
On Jan. 21, Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan filed a discrimination complaint, alleging conflicts of interest and corruption in the organization. Her complaint also said African Americans rarely win the most prestigious Grammys.
The night before the awards, Sean “Diddy” Combs unloaded on the Recording Academy while accepting the Industry Icon Award at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party at the Beverly Hilton.
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During his speech, Diddy called out alleged corruption in the academy and criticized the group for failing to give hip-hop and black music proper respect.
“I’m being honored by the industry that I love, the family that I love, but there’s an elephant in the room and it’s not just about the Grammys,” he said. “Truth be told, hip-hop has never been respected by the Grammys. Black music has never been respected by the Grammys to the point that it should be. So right now, this current situation, it’s not a revelation.”
The Bad Boy Records founder then gave the Recording Academy an ultimatum: “I’m officially starting the clock. Y’all got 365 days to get this sh— together.”
