While the Grammy Awards are set to take place this Sunday (Feb. 10), a new development shows that the annual event will unfortunately not unfold in the way that was initially planned.
According to Rolling Stone, 21 Savage was scheduled to perform during this weekend’s affair alongside collaborator Post Malone. However, due to his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this past Sunday (Feb. 3) in Atlanta, the show will go on without his involvement.
As reported, a source close to Malone’s camp revealed that 21 had been confirmed as a surprise guest during music’s biggest night. If things were to go according to plan, the pair would have offered a special performance of their Grammy-nominated single, “rockstar,” as part of Post’s allotted time onstage. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are also slated to join him in the show.
News of 21 Savage’s planned appearance further showcases just how sudden and unexpected his detention by ICE was in the first place. As previously reported, the rapper, a UK national, was arrested for overstaying a visa. He currently has not been granted bond, which would have allowed him to attend, and perform at, the prestigious awards show.
According to statements from his immigration lawyer Charles H. Kuck, 21 Savage had applied for a U Visa in 2017. JAY-Z has also stepped in by hiring attorney Alex Spiro to fight the immigration case. Hov even referred to Savage’s situation as “an absolute travesty.”
Additionally, the police report of 21 Savage’s arrest revealed that officers found a glock with an extended magazine inside the glove compartment of the Dodge Challenger the rapper was riding in when he was apprehended by authorities. One of his lawyers, Brian Steel, shared a statement with TMZ that neither the weapon nor the vehicle belong to his client.
At the time of this report, 21 Savage remains in ICE custody.