The Grammys have commented on Drake appearing to be cut off mid-speech during last night’s (February 10) ceremony, saying he had finished speaking.

The star was collecting the award for Best Rap Song for ‘God’s Plan’, making a surprise appearance at the event, when his speech suddenly cut to adverts. The microphone was reportedly cut in the arena as well.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source from the Grammys said: “Drake took a natural pause in his speech, which led producers to believe he was finished so they went to commercial. Since it seemed as if he had more to say, Grammy producers spoke with Drake immediately following his acceptance speech and offered him the opportunity to complete his speech. Drake stated that he was actually finished with his speech and happy.”

Drake’s winning speech for Best Rap Song. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/AQxruHiJbp — Word On Road (@WordOnRd) February 11, 2019


The rapper later commented on the incident on his Instagram page, captioning a post from the event: “Too raw for TV.”

“We play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport,” Drake said during his speech. “The point is you’ve already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown. Look, if there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and snow, spending money to buy tickets to your shows, you don’t need this right here. You already won.”

Before the Grammys spoke out, many speculated that the star would not be happy with the incident due to Drake’s tense relationship with the Recording Academy. He didn’t attend the Grammys in 2017 due to tour schedule conflicts, but won two awards for ‘Hotline Bling’. However, he later said he didn’t “even want them”, debating that the track should be recognised as a rap song. He then didn’t submit anything for consideration for the shortlists in 2018.


Drake was reportedly one of several artists to turn down an offer to perform at the 2019 ceremony. According to Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich, the Toronto rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino all declined to play, with the latter two not attending the ceremony at all.