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The 2018 Grammy Awards is proof that artists are not afraid to push the envelope and make their politics known.
From the performances to the speeches, many artists wore their issues on their sleeves and weren’t afraid to voice them. Here are the instances in which the show got real.
1Hillary Clinton’s Cameo
Host James Corden mentioned how many politicians have won a Grammy for best-spoken word album and wonders who should be the narrator for Michael Wolff’s controversial new book, Fire and Fury. In a pre-recorded skit that mocks President Donald Trump, celebrities including Cardi B, Cher, John Legend, and even Hillary herself “auditioned” for the coveted role.
2 Janelle Monáe’s Speech
“We come in peace, but we mean business,” she said. “So let’s work together, women and men, as a united music industry, committed to creating more safe work environments, equal pay, and access for all women.”
3 Kesha’s “Praying” Performance
For Kesha’s powerful performance of her single “Praying,” she was joined on stage by Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, and more, dressed in all white. The song fits the theme of the award season (#TimesUp) and reflected on her experience of sexual harassment with producer Dr. Luke.
4 Kendrick Lamar’s Performance
With an ironic American flag waving behind him on the big screen, Lamar opened the show in the only way he knows how: by redirecting our attention to what really matters. With a medley of his songs, he was joined by male dancers in military attire and was joined by U2’s Bono for their collab “XXX.”
Comedian Dave Chappelle also showed up on stage in the middle of the performance. “I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a Black man be honest in America is being an honest Black man in America,” he said.
5 Logic’s Performance
Logic took the stage with his Grammy-nominated song “1-800-273-8255″ about suicide prevention with Best New Artist winner Alessia Cara. In the background, an”In Memoriam” for artists including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, The Cranberries’ Dolores O’Riordan, Gregg Allman, Eddie Clark, Don Williams, Jerry Lewis, Prodigy, Lil Peep, Chris Cornell, and Chester Bennington was played.
He also finished up with a powerful speech denouncing a great deal of the hate that has afflicted the country, including President Trump’s shithole country comment.
6 Camila Cabello’s Speech
As the former Fifth Harmony member introduced U2, she took the time to dedicate her speech to DREAMers.
“Tonight in this room full of music’s dreamers, we remember that this country was made by DREAMers, for DREAMers, chasing the American dream,” Cabello said.
