The Recording Academy Defends Bonnie Raitt 'Song of the Year' Grammy Win: 'Voters Are Doing The Work'

Although the 2023 Grammy Awards had been one of the most star-studded events in the past years, music's Biggest Night was also riddled with the controversy surrounding some of the most controversial wins.

Perhaps one of the biggest questions that night was about the Song of the Year category, given to the songwriter to honor their artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence without regard to album sales or chart position.

Nominated on one of the Grammy's Big four Awards are some of the most popular songs in the given period of the 65th annual Grammy Awards.

Taylor Swift's record-breaking "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version)" was one of the most hard-pressed songs to win the category, among Adele's "Easy On Me," Harry Styles' "As It Was," Beyonce's "Renaissance," GAYLE's "ABCDEFU," Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit," Kendrick Lamar's "The Heart Pt 5, "Bonnie Raitt's "Just Like That," and DJ Khaled's "GOD DID."

In a stunning turn of events, it was Bonnie Raitt's "Just Like That" that took home the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Many were surprised by the recognition, even Raitt herself, who was visibly taken aback when the camera panned on her.

Bonnie Raitt 'Just Like That' Wins Song of the Year

Raitt's track was considered the most unpopular track of all of the nominated songs.

"Oh, I'm so surprised. I don't know what to say. This is just an unreal moment. Thank you for honoring me, to all the academy that surrounds me with so much support and appreciates the art of songwriting as I do," Raitt's speech read.

Fans have taken to social media to express their disbelief, disappointment, and frustration with the Grammy win upset.

The Recording Academy Defends Bonnie Raitt 'Just Like That' Song of the Year Win

Not more than a month after, The Recording Academy has finally spoken out on the flak and backlash they have received on the voting process that led to Bonnie Raitt's Song of the Year win.

Speaking to Rolling Stone's Music Now podcast, The Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. revealed that he was "honestly surprised" by the result of the voting process.

"It's not something that I would've predicted, but I was really proud of it. And it means our voters are really doing the work. They really listened - because if you listen to that song one time and you're not crying by the end of it, you're, you're cold inside," he told the podcast.

He also added that when Raitt was awarded the gramophone, the entire venue was filled with respect and love for the veteran artist.

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Grammys, Grammy Awards, Bonnie Raitt