Sera Gurzumar, Year 11
This year’s Grammys happened last Saturday: the 28th of January in Madison Square Garden, New York. James Corden came back to host the night for the second time and to make everyone feel like a winner when he brought consolation puppies to those who went home empty handed.
Many political references were made throughout the night since so many people watch the show each year. Kendrick Lamar kicked the night off with U2’s Bono, The Edge and comedian Dave Chapelle. They stood in front of an American flag surrounded by dancers dressed in military outfits while Kendrick went through a few songs from his album DAMN.
Hillary Clinton made a surprise appearance in a pre shot clip, where a few celebrities such as: Cardi B and John Legend, read a few Donald Trump related excerpts from the “Fire and Fury”: a book about his first year as president.
One of the most talked about speeches was the speech Camila Cabello made on dreamers, before introducing U2. “Tonight in this room full of music’s dreamers we remember that this country was built by dreamers for dreamers chasing the American dream.”
Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s performance of the Finesse Remix was also a jaw dropping performance, taking the audience all the way back to the 90s.
Many celebrities were seen wearing or holding white roses: for solidarity to the Time’s up movement; a movement to end sexual harassment. Before introducing Kesha to perform her powerful ballad “Praying”, Janelle Monae took the stage to shed some light on the Time’s Up movement. “We are also daughters, wives, sisters, mothers and human beings. We come in peace, but we mean business. And to those who would dare try to silence us, we offer two words: ‘Time’s up.’ We say ‘Time’s up’ for pay inequality; time’s up for discrimination; time’s up for harassment of any kind. And time’s up for the abuse of power – because, you see, it’s not just going on in Hollywood; it’s not just going on in Washington. It’s right here in our industry, as well.”
The Grammys are the music industry’s biggest night. This year 43.83 million people watched the ceremony. Winning a Grammy helps give the artist a high reputation, as well as increase their record sales. Since so many people watch the show, it is a good place for propaganda and creating awareness.
