While President Donald Trump’s name wasn’t uttered during Sunday’s Grammys ceremony, the impacts of his administration were felt throughout the nearly four hour-long broadcast.
The music awards ceremony was rebranded as a platform to recognize those impacted by the devastating LA wildfires –– it raised $7 million for wildfire relief. The show’s tone of healing and hope didn’t mean the Trump administration’s controversial policies were ignored.
Lady Gaga delivered a brief yet powerful statement in her acceptance speech: “It's such an honor to sing for all of you. I just want to say tonight that trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up."
Gaga accepted the award for best pop duo or group with Bruno Mars for their chart-topping song “Die with a Smile.”
Trump issued orders that recognize female and male as the only two genders, bar trans people from joining the military and restrict care for transgender minors.
Alicia Keys shone a light on the strength of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives following Trump’s executive order to end DEI programs within the federal government.
“DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift,” Keys said while accepting a global impact award. “When destructive voices try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”
Other stars weren’t shy about targeting the Trump administration’s policies. Shakira dedicated her Grammy win for best Latin album “to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved. You are worth it and I will always fight with you.”
Host Trevor Noah joked about topics ranging from immigration to Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, adding a bit of comic relief to the powerful sentiments of the night.
“I will say though, Beyoncé, [there are] tariffs. We can’t afford a new tour,” Noah said, referencing the star’s recent “Cowboy Carter” tour announcement. “Maple syrup is about to be $50.”
Hollywood sent a clear message to those who run the nation’s capital on Sunday. All eyes are on the Oscars, the next big awards show which will take place on March 2.
