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A Special Performance By The Weeknd

Source: Rebecca Sapp / Getty

Toronto artist The Weeknd was nominated for five awards at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Editing and Best Direction. But viewers may have noticed he wasn’t at the ceremony, even though MTV had previously announced that he would be performing.

TMZ reports that the “Starboy” singer “just didn’t feel like it,” citing his hectic tour schedule. The gig was apparently booked months ago and, with his Beauty Behind The Madness charting on Billboard’s 200 chart for its 100th straight week (it came out two years ago!), he’s understandably fatigued. The Weeknd also cancelled an August 25 show sponsored by Grey Goose.

MTV did alright in his absence. Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and Logic had social media talking after electric performances. Hopefully, The Weeknd is getting some well-deserved rest right now.