The year was 1990 and the Grammys Best New Artist category was filled with a diverse range of genres, from Neneh Cherry and Tone Loc to folk duo Indigo Girls and house music icons Soul II Soul. And then there was Milli Vanilli.
The pop duo, consisting of Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, were declared the winners by Kris Kristofferson and Young MC. However, their joy was short-lived as they soon found themselves at the center of a scandal that would rock the music industry.
In a 2020 interview with Variety, Morvan revealed the inner turmoil they felt despite their outward celebration of the win. Little did they know that their Grammy Award would soon be revoked, making them the first and only act in history to face such consequences.
Formed in Munich by music producer Frank Farian, Milli Vanilli quickly rose to fame with hits like “Girl You Know It’s True” and “Blame It on the Rain.” However, their success was built on a lie – neither Pilatus nor Morvan had ever sung on any of their songs.
The truth came to light in November 1990 when Farian finally admitted that the duo had been lip-syncing all along. This revelation led to the revocation of their Grammy Award and a tarnished reputation that would haunt them for years to come.
Despite their fame and success, Pilatus and Morvan were plagued by guilt and regret. They returned the Grammy Award on their own and requested that it be given to the studio singers who actually performed on their album.
As Morvan reflected on their turbulent journey, he acknowledged the naivety and vulnerability that led them down the path of deception. Pilatus tragically passed away in 1998, leaving Morvan to carry the weight of their shared legacy.
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FAQs
Q: Why were Milli Vanilli’s Grammy Awards revoked?
A: Milli Vanilli’s Grammy Awards were revoked after it was revealed that they had not sung on any of their hit songs and had been lip-syncing during performances.
Q: What was the impact of the scandal on Milli Vanilli’s career?
A: The scandal had a devastating impact on Milli Vanilli’s career, leading to the revocation of their Grammy Award and a tarnished reputation in the music industry.
Credit: popcrush.com
