The American record producer and his spouse walked the 2025 Grammys red carpet, but they were nowhere to be seen when the ceremony began. Now, the reason behind their absence inside the venue has been revealed.
Kanye West’s presence at the 67th Grammy Awards sparked curiosity among viewers after he and his wife, Bianca Censori, appeared on the red carpet but were not seen inside the ceremony. Recent reports have clarified why the rapper did not have assigned seating at the event.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the 67th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Raj Kapoor, the executive producer of the Grammys, spoke exclusively to People about West’s attendance. He confirmed that West was not removed from the event and was, in fact, present due to his nomination.
The 47-year-old artist was up for Best Rap Song for “Carnival” from his Vultures 1 album. However, after making his red carpet appearance, he left in his car before the main ceremony began.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are seen at the 67th GRAMMY Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Kapoor explained the seating arrangements inside Crypto.com Arena, where the awards took place. He noted that VIP table seating is carefully planned, with each seat assigned to specific attendees.
“If they were invited guests because we [would] know everybody who’s seated at the VIP tables that we have in front,” Kapoor said. “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.”
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are pictured at the 67th GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Since West was not presenting, performing, or nominated for an award in the main telecast, he and Bianca Censori did not have reserved seats. Kapoor confirmed, “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.”
Kanye West attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
While Kanye West made an appearance outside the venue, his absence inside the ceremony was due to the strict seating protocols in place. His decision to leave after the red carpet suggests he did not plan to stay for the event.
