Jordin Sparks Alludes Chris Brown’s Domestic Violence Incident Caused ‘No Air’ To Be Snubbed At 2009 Grammy Awards: That Was A Really Tough Time For Me Because I Just Didn’t Understand

Jordin Sparks Alludes Chris Brown’s Domestic Violence Incident Caused ‘No Air’ To Be Snubbed At 2009 Grammy Awards: That Was A Really Tough Time For Me Because I Just Didn’t Understand

 Singers Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown may have one of the hottest pop duets to date, but the song’s commercial success was (seemingly) overshadowed.

On February 11, 2008, ‘No Air,’ featuring R&B superstar Chris Brown, was officially released as the second single from Jordin Sparks’ self-titled debut album. The chart-topping hit triumphantly lived in mainstream media well after its unveil, quickly gaining its stripes as a modern-day classic.

Nearly a year later, on February 8, 2009, Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown were scheduled to appear at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, where they were nominated for ‘Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.’ However, in the early morning of the ceremony, Brown and his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, were involved in a domestic dispute that prompted the ‘Breezy’ crooner’s failure to attend.

Reportedly, Brown and Rihanna had a verbal altercation that soon turned physical and resulted in Rihanna suffering “severe” facial injuries. She was later hospitalized, and Brown turned himself into the Los Angeles Police Department.

Rihanna, Chris Brown (circa 2013)

During her latest appearance, Sparks opened up about her and Brown recently performing the timeless bop for the first time since 2008 and her label’s decision to keep her silent amid the controversial incident with Rihanna.

When speaking on Brown bringing her on stage this past August, the ‘American Idol’ winner candidly said,

“Did you know… that was the first time [Brown and I] performed [‘No Air’] since 2008?”

She continued by indicating that the lack of joint performances for her and Brown’s collaborative effort wasn’t (in any way) due to any apprehension on her part.

“It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. So, everybody watching–just so you know–it wasn’t because I didn’t want to. So, I hope that we get to do more stuff together. And, this time, there’ll definitely be more performances!”

Jordin Sparks

The 33-year-old then went on to (seemingly) recall how she’d found out about Brown’s actions against Rihanna at the same time everyone else did. She also revealed that, despite her team’s demand for her to stay hushed about the event, she was actually clueless about what happened.

Sparks recounted what happened on the day of the 2009 Grammys and said:

“I found out like everybody else found out. I’ve actually never told this in public before. We were nominated for ‘Best Pop R&B Collaboration’ that year.”

She added,

“As soon as I stepped foot on that red carpet, I had both of the label publicists coming up to me and going, ‘You know nothing.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ ‘Cause I really didn’t know anything! I didn’t go to Clive [Davis’] party.”

The Arizona native detailed how the news spread fast on the carpet, with notifications rolling in and whispers filling the room.

“As the night progresses, it’s like Google alerts–at that time–and more and more people started getting the news about it. And I’m sitting just looking at everyone like… ‘I don’t know.’ I was also a kid; I’m eighteen years old at this point. Like… then, I get it to my phone, and I’m just like, ‘Oh, my God!”

Later in the sit-down, she concluded on the subject and expressed the disappointment that she held for not winning the Grammy Award and how difficult it was for her to understand everything that was going on back then.

“A lot of stuff that happened after that was not me.”

Sparks said,

“That was a really tough time for me because I just didn’t understand; I didn’t get it. And I also didn’t know about the ins and outs of the industry and the puppetry and the hands that can go into a lot of things.”

Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown

Although Brown’s violent past has affected his career, it hasn’t changed Sparks’ professional admiration for the entertainer. Last year, she spoke out in support of Brown after his Michael Jackson tribute was canceled at the American Music Awards.

She previously told an outlet:

“People deserve to be able to grow and learn and be able to live their life without things hanging over them.”

Sparks additionally elaborated on her views surrounding Brown’s troubles with Rihanna.

“Honestly, I think that shouldn’t even be a conversation anymore. It’s about his talent.”

Brown’s ‘AMA’ cancellation ignited much speculation, but it’s been reported that it was all due to a difference in creative direction.

How did you find out about the Chris Brown and Rihanna controversy? Let us know in the comments below!