Why Was Psy Snubbed by Grammys?
Someone's missing from the latest list of Grammy nominees: Psy.
The Korean pop star whose hit "Gangnam Style" had everyone from Madonna to former Senator Alan Simpson galloping in circles didn't get any nods from the Recording Academy, which announced the nominees for the 55th annual Grammy awards Wednesday night.
The Atlantic pointed out some of Psy's massive achievements this year: in just four months, "Gangnam Style" broke the record for the most watched YouTube video in history, Psy was recognized as an "International Sensation" by the UN Secretary General, and he won several of Korea's top civilian awards. Time named "Gangnam Style" the No. 2 viral video of the year, behind the Kony 2012 video.
FULL LIST: 2013 Grammy Award Nominees
Even President Obama is a fan. Last month, he told New Hampshire radio station WZID-FM that he's pretty sure he can Gangnam Style. "I think I can do that move," he said. "But I'm not sure that the inauguration ball is the appropriate time to break that out." ("Maybe," he added, "[I'd] do it privately for Michelle.")
You'd think all of that might add up to nomination for, say, song of the year. Psy couldn't have been nominated in the best new artist category because he's released more than three albums, the cut off for best new artist eligibility.
On Thursday, the Recording Academy told ABCNews.com that "Gangnam Style" was considered in the record of the year and best pop solo performance categories. Once a song is entered, it is then voted on by members of the Recording Academy, which determines whether it will become a nominee or winner. The Academy is comprised of musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters, and other music professionals.
Psy's rep didn't respond to a request for comment. He's not the only pop star conspicuously absent from the list: Justin Bieber didn't get nominated for any Grammys either, and he lost the title of most watched YouTube video ever when "Gangnam Style" surpassed "Baby" last month. Ouch.
