The 2026 Grammy Awards opened with a bang as Trevor Noah returned to host for the sixth consecutive year.
Known for his sharp wit, Noah didn’t hold back, immediately roasting celebrities and sprinkling in political commentary right from the start.
The comedian, 41, made headlines within minutes for targeting Nicki Minaj over her support of former President Donald Trump.
“Nicki Minaj is not here,” Noah quipped, before adding with biting sarcasm, “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.”
The jab drew loud laughs—and a few nervous glances from Trump critics like Chrissy Teigen in the audience.
Noah took it a step further by mimicking Trump in a raunchy joke about the former president’s backside, leaving the packed arena both roaring and groaning.
Political Jabs and Social Commentary
Nicki Minaj’s recent declaration of herself as Trump’s “number one fan” and her public appearance in Washington, D.C., had already made waves, so Noah’s comments hit a cultural nerve.
But Minaj wasn’t the only target. Early in his monologue, Noah also addressed America’s turbulent news cycle, touching on Trump’s administration, ICE raids, and recent police shootings in Minnesota.
Noah humorously connected this chaos to a Korean drinking game that inspired Bruno Mars and Rosé’s Grammy-nominated hit, APT.
“In America,” he joked, “every time you turn on the news, you drink.”
Celebrity Roasts: Bezos, Diddy, and Lauryn Hill
The Grammys weren’t just political.
Noah poked fun at Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos’s $50 million wedding in Venice last year, saying, “It felt like I’m at Jeff Bezos’s wedding but with way more Black people.”
He also took aim at Diddy while celebrating Lauryn Hill’s return to the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999.
“Back in 1999, the president had a sex scandal, people thought computers would destroy the world, and Diddy was arrested. Boy, how times have changed,” Noah quipped.
Diddy is currently serving a 50-month sentence after a conviction related to prostitution, making the joke especially pointed.
Awkward Celebrity Moments on the Red Carpet
While much of Noah’s monologue was full of humor, he also focused on celebrating the talent in the room.
Pharrell Williams got a cheeky request for “discount codes,” while Justin Bieber’s interaction went awkwardly viral.
Noah congratulated Bieber and wife Hailey on the birth of their son Jack Blues and then poked fun at Bieber’s infamous December 2025 Instagram rant about the iPhone dictation button.
Bieber’s tense smirk and polite nods contrasted with Noah’s playful jabs, creating a highlight-reel moment for viewers.
Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, and Political Statements
The Grammys were not just about laughs—they were also a platform for political statements.
Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, passionately declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and made her feelings toward ICE clear in a censored expletive.
Rising star Olivia Dean, winner of Best New Artist, honored her immigrant grandmother in her speech.
She said, “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here without their bravery.”
Dean’s tribute reflected the growing presence of activism among artists on the Grammy stage.
Bad Bunny’s Powerful Acceptance Speech
Bad Bunny, who took home Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the night.
Tears streamed down the Puerto Rican superstar’s face as he dedicated the award to immigrants pursuing their dreams.
Earlier, upon accepting Best Música Urbana Album, Bad Bunny opened with a bold “ICE out” statement, emphasizing that immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not “savage, animals, or aliens—they are Americans.”
The crowd’s standing ovation highlighted the resonance of his message.
Big Winners of the Night
Some of the other major winners included:
- Kendrick Lamar: Record of the Year (luther) and Best Rap Album (GNX)
- Lady Gaga: Best Pop Vocal Album (MAYHEM) and Best Dance Pop Recording (Abracadabra)
- Lola Young: Best Pop Solo Performance (Messy)
- Jelly Roll: Best Contemporary Country Album (Beautifully Broken)
The night showcased a mix of new talent and established icons, blending music, fashion, and activism into a single star-studded event.
Memorable Moments and Social Impact
Noah ended his monologue by highlighting sibling duo Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, praising their dedication and talent.
He also celebrated artists like Olivia Dean for taking stands against ticket scalping and referenced last year’s viral Coldplay kiss cam drama.
The Grammys 2026 proved to be more than a celebration of music—it was a stage for bold comedy, social commentary, and political activism, leaving fans talking long after the event ended.
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