Aaron Carter's Exclusion From The 2023 Grammys Is The Latest Chapter Of His Tragic Story
This article includes mention of drug use.
Just months after TMZ broke the news of singer Aaron Carter's tragic death, yet another chapter has been added to his heartbreaking story. That is, exclusion from the 2023 Grammys "In Memoriam" video tribute to stars who died over the last year.
As fans of Aaron know, the singer faced a number of struggles leading up to what his family recently told TMZ was a suspected overdose. In the days after his passing, a number of his loved ones touched on that. Taking to Instagram, his brother, Backstreet Boys alum Nick Carter, wrote a touching tribute, wishing him "the peace you could never find here on earth." Aaron's ex-girlfriend Hilary Duff shared similar sentiments in a vulnerable tribute of her own, writing, "I'm deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world." As devastated as his family was, however, they soon found a way to honor his legacy, through a partnership with children's mental health awareness organization, On Our Sleeves, per Entertainment Tonight.
That said, the 2023 Grammys became a site of yet another instance where his legacy was overlooked by the industry. While a number of late stars were featured in the "In Memoriam" video montage, as TMZ pointed out, Aaron's picture was notably missing. Unsurprisingly, both fans and loved ones alike were quick to point out that this was another blow to the late singer.
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Many feel featuring Aaron Carter's name in the program wasn't enough
It's worth noting that, while Aaron Carter's picture didn't feature in the "In Memoriam" video segment, he was mentioned in the 2023 Grammys program. However, many are of the mind that the gesture simply wasn't enough — especially for a figure who meant so much to so many.
In one TikTok video reposted to Twitter, a fan complained that lack of recognition had played a major role in Carter's mental health issues, and that neglecting to acknowledge his artistry, even in death, only added insult to injury. "This man passed away from the societal pressures of young performing artists ... and you don't even have the decency!" she complained. It was a feeling shared by his ex-girlfriend, Cali Noel, who wrote, "10 million records sold. Youngest solo artist ever to have 4 consecutive top 10 singles in the UK. Performed for millions. Hundreds of millions of streams. A career lasting 25 years. You deserved to be mentioned." And, speaking to TMZ shortly after the montage wrapped, Carter's ex-fiancée, Melanie Martin pointed out that this was one more hit to his memory.
The Grammys have yet to comment on why Carter's image — or even a name, as some have asked about — was left out of the video tribute. One thing we do know for sure, though, is that Carter's fans are fiercely protective of his legacy. Grammys mention or not, Aaron Carter's impact will live on.