Trevor Noah, the South African comedian and former Daily Show host, injected sharp political commentary into the Grammy Awards ceremony with a series of pointed jokes targeting former President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton. Noah's remarks came amid a broader wave of political statements from artists during the event, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and current affairs.
Noah's Controversial Joke About Trump and Greenland
During his introduction for the Song of the Year category, Noah delivered a joke that quickly garnered attention. He stated, 'Song of the Year, that is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense because Epstein's island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.' This quip referenced the Department of Justice's recent release of millions of pages of documents linked to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, in which both Trump and Clinton's names appeared.
Although both former presidents have denied any wrongdoing and have not been accused of crimes related to Epstein, Noah's joke capitalised on the timing of the document dump, which occurred just two days prior to the ceremony. The comedian, who announced this was his final year hosting the Grammys, added a defiant note by asking the audience, 'What are you gonna do about it?'
Additional Political Barbs and Celebrity References
Noah's political humour extended beyond Trump and Clinton. He also took a swipe at rapper Nicki Minaj, who was absent from the event, suggesting she was 'still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.' This comment alluded to Minaj's recent visit to and praise for the president, marking her shift toward the MAGA movement in recent months. Noah even broke into a Trump impression, mimicking the former president's mannerisms.
In another segment, Noah referenced historical events while introducing Lauryn Hill's performance, her first since 1999. He remarked, 'Back in 1999, the president had had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world, and Diddy was arrested.' This layered joke connected past controversies with contemporary political themes, showcasing Noah's signature comedic style.
Other Artists' Political Statements at the Grammys
Noah was not alone in using the Grammy platform for political expression. Billie Eilish, while accepting the Song of the Year award for 'WILDFLOWER,' made an emotional speech that was partially censored during the broadcast. She stated, 'no human is illegal on stolen land,' and urged the audience to keep fighting and protesting, emphasising that 'our voices really do matter.' Many artists at the event wore 'ICE out' pins, protesting the controversial agency and recent incidents involving its agents.
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican global superstar, also made a political statement upon accepting the Best Música Urbana Album award. His first words were 'ICE out,' which received a massive ovation from the crowd. He continued by affirming that immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not savage, animals, or aliens, but Americans, and advocated for love over hate in addressing social issues.
The Broader Context of Political Activism in Entertainment
The Grammys ceremony this year continued a trend of celebrities espousing left-wing and anti-Trump opinions during high-profile events. From Noah's jokes to Eilish's and Bad Bunny's speeches, the night was marked by a blend of artistic celebration and political activism. This reflects a growing willingness among entertainers to engage with contentious topics, using their platforms to comment on immigration, social justice, and political figures.
While Noah had mostly avoided politics earlier in the evening, he saved his most pointed joke for an absent figure, underscoring the calculated nature of his commentary. The release of Epstein-related documents provided a timely backdrop, allowing Noah to weave current events into his humour, albeit without making direct accusations of wrongdoing.
Overall, the Grammys showcased how entertainment awards ceremonies are increasingly becoming arenas for political discourse, with artists and hosts leveraging their visibility to address issues ranging from presidential conduct to immigrant rights. Noah's performance, in particular, highlighted the enduring role of comedy in critiquing power and sparking public conversation.
