Justin Bieber deserved at least ONE Grammy nomination this year for his hard work … but no … he got shafted by the uppity snobs at the Recording Academy — so says judge X Factor USA Simon Cowell.

Simon was out in L.A. Thursday night — for the launch of his new X Headphones — when we asked about Justin’s Grammy snub.

He told TMZ:

“You know what? He deserved one [nomination], I think. But they can get a bit snobby sometimes.

“He won’t be crying too much. He’s doing fine.”