Steve Stoute Defends Justin Bieber, Eminem Over Grammy Awards Snub

American marketing executive Steve Stoute has defended his critical comments about this year's Grammy Awards.

In an article for the New York Times on Sunday (February 20), Stoute accused the ceremony of being out off touch.

He highlighted how Justin Bieber had failed to win the award for Best New Artist and that Eminem only picked up two minor prizes, despite receiving ten nominations.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Stoute said the Grammy voting system was “flawed” and that he wanted to highlight how big name artists are only used to “sell the show and to get ratings”.

Referring to the relatively unknown Esperanza Spalding's triumph in the Best New Artist category, Stoute said he was baffled she could win after already releasing three albums.

“What Drake and Justin Bieber did to cut through and become global brands, it's hard for anybody to argue that they're not Best New Artist,” he said.

Stoute is behind some of the most lucrative and brand-boosting advertising deals in music. The Grammy Awards have yet to comment on his editorial.

Grammy Awards 2011 - Red Carpet Highlights