Kanye West Wasn't Kicked Out of 2025 Grammys — but There Was Also No Seat for Him Inside the Show (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kanye West’s appearance at the2025 Grammysleft viewers with some questions.

Raj Kapoor, the Grammys executive producer, exclusively told PEOPLE aboutWest’s unexpected appearancewith hiswife Bianca Censorion the2025 Grammysred carpet. PEOPLE was able to confirm the night of thatWest was not kicked out. He was nominated and walked the red carpet, but then got in his car and left.

Kapoor said, “From what I understand, they were there for the red carpet” because West, 47,was nominated this yearfor best rap song for “Carnival” from hisVultures 1album.

“I’m not sure if he was at Pre-Tel [a special pre-telecast presentationwhere most of the awards were handed out], which is at the Peacock Theater before the main show. But that award was definitely in Pre-Tel.”

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

The executive producer also shared how the seating inside the Crypto.com Arena works at music’s biggest night and who gets seated up front, while confirming that West didn’t have a seat reserved.

“If they were invited guests because we [would] know everybody who’s seated at the VIP tables that we have in front,” he explained. “We know each person who’s coming because every table is numbered. And so our director has to know where those artists are for award categories.”

Kapoor confirmed that they did not have a seat. “They didn’t have a nomination on the show and Kanye wasn’t presenting. He was not performing either, which is mostly what those seats are.”

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Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The Recording Academy said in a statement in Januarythat the awards show would “carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

Kapoor mentions the great efforts the Recording Academy and MusiCares made with theirLos Angeles Fire Relief Effort to Support Music Professionalsfund.

“One of the highlights for sure was how we addressed the L.A. fires and the charitable aspect of our show,” he said. “We really shone a light on this city and the devastation that happened.”

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025.Frazer Harrison/Getty

Frazer Harrison/Getty

The Recording Academy and MusiCares launched theLos Angeles Fire Relief Effortahead of the show, raising $24 million for charitable activities, with almost $9 million being raised on Sunday alone.

source: people.com