Esperanza Spalding Brought A Cutout Of A Musician After The Grammys Allegedly “Refused” Him A Seat

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Esperanza Spalding is calling out the Grammys for allegedly refusing a seat to fellow nominee Milton Nascimento.

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The multi-Grammy award-winning artist arrived on the Grammy red carpet hand-in-hand with 82-year-old legendary Brazilian musician to celebrate their “Best Jazz Vocal Album” nomination for Milton + esperanza.

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Although the two were both in attendance, Esperanza claimed Milton wasn’t allowed to sit at her table on the ceremony floor.

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So, she decided to take matters in her own hands so that his presence would still be felt, even if he wasn’t allowed to physically be next to her. Esperanza took to Instagram to show fans her cutout of Milton and the reason behind it.
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The post was accompanied by an image of Esperanza holding up a cutout photo of Milton with the words, “This living legend should be seated here.”
“Soooo, Milton was refused a seat at the tables for this year’s ceremony,” Esperanza wrote in the caption. “That didnāt sit right with me.”
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“Iām not talking about a Grammy win. We are celebrating the glorious @samarajoysings win, Iām talking about a physics seatā¦here at this table Iām sitting at.”
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Samara Joy took home the Grammy for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for A Joyful Holiday.
“Iām mad this living legend wasnāt considered important enough to sit among the A Listers, or however tables on the main floor are organized. So, I had to bring him with me.”
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Many people showed their support and frustration toward the situation, including Willow Smith who helped raise the sign at the ceremony for awareness.