Music fans were outraged when two AP reporters at the Grammys disrespected venerated music producer Babyface by cutting off their interview to speak to artist-of-the-moment Chappell Roan.
Babyface is a 13-time Grammy winner who produced over 26 number-one R&B hits since emerging as a singer and songwriter in the '80s. The 65-year-old was honored as a BMI Icon at the 6th annual BMI Urban Awards and ranked number 20 on NME's 50 of The Greatest Producers Ever list.
A viral clip showed AP journalist Leslie Ambriz picking his brain about a so-called "new trend" in R&B music where artists blend different music genres.
As Babyface began imparting his wisdom, Amriz's fellow red carpet correspondent, Krysta Fauria, ducked after being tapped on the shoulder by an off-camera individual when Roan was spotted walking by. This prompted Fauria to interrupt Babyface to call out to the young artist.
"Chappell! Chappell!" Fauria hollered toward the "Pink Pony Club" singer, who later won the Grammy for Best New Artist.
Babyface looked over his shoulder after realizing what was happening and told the reporters, “You guys want to…Go do that.” He humbly handed the mic back to Ambriz.
Ambriz took back the mic and told him, "I'm so sorry Babyface."
You can view a clip here.
The internet was outraged over the disrespect of a music icon.
Fans were also not impressed by the question.
A later clip showed Fauria apologizing for causing the dismissal of Babyface in favor of Roan, chalking it up to "all the commotion as there is on these red carpets" but still claiming to be "a big Babyface fan."
Ambriz also explained that "wild things" happen on the red carpet that are out of their control with directors pressuring them constantly to "wrap things up" despite wanting to continue conversations with various celebrities.
"I should've done more to try and stop it," Ambriz said of the "true legend" being cut off in his interview.
She added:
"I really still want to hear Babyface's answer about women in R&B progressing."
Alas, that ship has sailed.
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