Why Did Christian Artist Natalie Grant Leave the Grammys Early?

Award-winning Christian music artist Natalie Grant left the Grammy Awards early on Sunday but has not said why.

“We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts about the show tonight, most of which are probably better left inside my head,” Grant wrote on her Facebook page Sunday night. “But I’ll say this: I’ve never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I’ve never been more sure of the path I’ve chosen.”

The post received more than 4,700 comments, and bloggers took to the Web to speculate on why the gospel singer walked out. Shortly before she left, Katy Perry and Juicy J performed a song called “Dark Horse” that some have described as “satanic.”

Perry, who was raised in a strong Christian household, has publicly rejected her faith. Her Grammy performance displayed images evocative of the occult, including witchcraft, fire and beasts. The 29-year-old pop superstar pole-danced on a broom and closed her act with a burning on a stake.

But another performance may have caused Grant to leave, bloggers have said. During Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song “Same Love,” 33 couples—heterosexual and homosexual—were married on stage.

Grant responded to the speculation in a statement on her Facebook page Monday afternoon. It has more than 111,000 likes and more than 9,000 comments so far.

“It does sadden me when people argue, judge and hurl insults at each other from both sides of the fence,” she wrote.

Though she said she would not engage in arguments, she made a few clarifications.

“I NEVER said I left during any particular performance. I only said I left early,” she said. “I never pointed out any one particular performance, I only said I had many thoughts about the entire show, which were best left inside my head and that is where they will stay.”

She continued, “So those who say I condemned one performance but then condoned others clearly did not read the post. What I DID say is this: I am honored to be a part of the Christian music community. I’ve had many people throughout my career ask why I never tried to go in to mainstream music and last night was a beautiful reminder that I love singing about Jesus and FOR Jesus.”

“I’ve judged no one,” Grant insisted. “I hate no one. And I believe that every person has been created in the image of God. … I won’t use my platform to engage in political arguments that will only divide and not unite. I will continue to pray that my life will be my message.”

She thanked the Grammys and said she is grateful for her nominations. Grant then concluded with Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus for it is the power of God who brings salvation to ALL who believe.”