Christian female vocalists Natalie Grant and Mandisa came under fire this week after voicing unpopular opinions on this year's controversial GRAMMY Awards, held in Los Angeles this past Sunday (January 26th.)
The telecast included a number of provocative performances, including a celebration of gay marriage during Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ performance of "Same Love.” Ratings for this year’s telecast were attracted 28.5 million viewers to CBS, which is essentially a modern-day record for the annual music awards show.
Grant, who was nominated for two awards, was in attendance, and swiftly took to social media to share her thoughts on the evening, including her premature departure, immediately becoming the target of public backlash.
She followed up her post with another less than 24 hous later, clarifying her views:
“I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early.I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay... what I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I've had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus. I've judged no one. I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God.”
(You can read Natalie's full statement HERE.)
Former American Idol contestant and multi-nominated artist Mandisa took home her first of two GRAMMY Awards at the event over the weekend (Best CCM Song and Album of the Year), but surprisingly, wasn't in attendance to receive them.
Mandisa too, took to social media to clear up any preconceived objections about her absence:
“I can’t force my morality on anyone else. What I can do is live my life in such a way that reflects well on my Savior, stand firm in my values, and do all of these things in love. If God can use this GRAMMY win to advance His Kingdom, I’m all in!”
(You can read Mandisa's full statement HERE.)
Both artists have apologized for any misinterpreted accusations.
