Harry Styles Seemed to Respond to Outrage Over His "People Like Me" Acceptance Speech
He addressed the controversy at the Brit Awards.
![Harry Styles at Brit Awards](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bTsHSb5tA6GxQDzHHNeAbe-415-80.jpg)
Speaking at the Grammys last Sunday, moments after his album "Harry's House" had been named album of the year, Harry Styles ended his acceptance speech by saying, "This doesn't happen to people like me very often and this is so, so nice—thank you very much." The backlash was immediate, with Adele—a fellow nominee for the category—immediately seeming unimpressed, and many people pointing out that, in the words of one viewer on Twitter, "I can’t think of a type of people this happens for more."
Though Styles had noted earlier in his speech, "It's obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as ‘best’ in music,” the line he ended on—"This doesn't happen to people like me very often"—felt particularly tone-deaf given the context: Beyoncé, whose album Renaissance was expected to win in that category, had lost, after losing in previous years to white artists including Beck, Adele, and Taylor Swift. In fact, no Black woman has won Album of the Year at the Grammys since the late '90s.
“'this doesn’t happen to people like me very often” IT LITERALLY ONLY HAPPENS TO PEOPLE LIKE YOU????" tweeted @ungodlywests following Styles' speech.
A week later, at the BRIT Awards, Styles won in four categories, including best album, best artist, and best song of the year. Speaking in his acceptance speech for the best artist BRIT Award, Styles seemed to address the controversy his acceptance speech the previous week had sparked, saying: "I'm really, really grateful for this, and I'm very aware of my privilege up here tonight, so this award is for Rina, Charli, Florence, Mabel, and Becky." Styles was referring to the female artists who were controversially ignored in the category, with only men ultimately being nominated for Artist of the Year.
He also thanked his former One Direction bandmates: "I want to thank Niall, Louis, Liam, and Zayn because I wouldn't be here without you either."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Jenny Is Back on the Block—and Carrying a Birkin
The singer returned to New York City with a loud luxury outfit to match.
By India Roby Published
-
Serena Williams's Post-Retirement Style Pivot Is Complete
The tennis star's fashion era is taking a turn.
By Julia Gray Published
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box
“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Tina Knowles Shares That Her Daughter Solange Was Conceived on the Nile River in Egypt
Had she been a boy, her name would have paid direct homage to the place of her conception.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Beyoncé's Name Is Being Added to French Dictionary
Next-level stardom right there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Beyoncé Was "A Mom First" Working With Daughter Blue Ivy Carter on 'Mufasa'
This will be the pre-teen's movie debut.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
After a Toddler Named Tyler Says “Beyoncé Is My Friend” In a Viral TikTok, She Reaches Out with Flowers, Gifts, and a Confirmation of Their Friendship
“I see your halo, Tyler.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Courtney Love Says Taylor Swift Is "Not Important" and "Not Interesting as an Artist"
Wow, saying that is... a choice.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Dolly Parton—Er, “Dolly P”—Gives Her Stamp of Approval to Beyoncé’s Cover of ‘Jolene’
The country music legend has wanted Bey to cover her classic song for years.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Beyoncé Considers ‘Cowboy Carter’ “The Best Music I’ve Ever Made”
Interestingly, the 27-track album was supposed to come out before ‘Renaissance,’ but was delayed for a very specific reason.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Miley Cyrus Says Beyoncé Is "Everything" After 'Cowboy Carter' Collab
"My admiration runs so much deeper now."
By Meghan De Maria Published