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Why Ariana Grande won’t be at the Grammys

Posted at 3:50 PM, Feb 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-06 15:50:16-05

Ariana Grandehas said thank you, next to the Grammy Awards.

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS — Presentation — 2018 BBMA’s at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada — Pictured: Ariana Grande — (Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

A source close to the singer tells CNN that Grande has decided not to perform at Sunday’s event — or attend — after a dispute with the show’s producers.

Related: Ariana Grande fixes misspelled palm tattoo after online mockery

“The producers were dictating what songs she could sing,” the source said.

CNN has reached out to the Recording Academy for comment.

Grande, whose album “Thank U, Next” drops Friday, is nominated for best pop vocal performance and best pop vocal album.

Related: Grammy nominations are here

Grammy producers initially rejected Grande’s choice to perform her new single “7 Rings,” then later agreed on the condition they chose her second song, according to the source.

Grande had been included in promotions for the Grammy Awards on billboards and buses around Los Angeles in recent weeks.

Despite her absence, there will be a slew of artists taking the Grammys stage, including Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, Post Malone, Dan + Shay, Kacey Musgraves and Shawn Mendes.

Alicia Keys will host the show which airs February 10 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.