Trevor Noah kicked off the 2026 Grammy Awards with a monologue that mixed humor with political barbs, targeting Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump while setting the tone for a night in which many artists used their moment in the spotlight to weigh in on issues beyond music.
As host of the ceremony on Sunday, Noah playfully pointed to Minaj’s absence, telling the audience, “Nicki Minaj is not here, she is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues, actually.” The joke drew laughs, underscoring the unusual mix of entertainment and political discourse at this year’s show.
Noah didn’t stop there. He mimicked Trump’s distinctive style to poke fun at the former president’s self-aggrandizing tone, quipping, “‘Nicki, I have the biggest ass, I have it, everybody’s saying it Nicki, I know they say to you, but it’s me, wop, wop, wop, look at it, look at it, baby.’” The audience cheered, setting an energetic tone early in the awards show.
Noah also took a nostalgic turn, highlighting Lauryn Hill’s long-awaited return to the Grammys stage. He noted that her last appearance was in 1999 and, with a wink, recalled the cultural backdrop of that year: “Back in 1999, the president had had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world, and (P) Diddy was arrested. Boy, how times have changed.”
The host’s commentary also touched on the broader social tension framing this year’s ceremony. His remarks came amid protests and national outcry over the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in several cities, particularly Minneapolis.
Federal immigration officers have drawn intense criticism after the fatal shootings of Renée Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24 during enforcement operations, prompting widespread demonstrations and calls for accountability.
The Grammy audience included some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. Noah jokingly compared the crowd to “Jeff Bezos’s wedding but with way more Black people,” blending his trademark humor with cultural commentary.
Overall, Noah’s opening set a tone that was humorous but also reflective of a moment when many entertainers used the Grammys as more than a celebration of artistic achievement. For some artists and viewers, it became a platform to spotlight political concerns and to assert that music and cultural events remain deeply connected to the social issues shaping everyday life.
Trevor Noah at the Grammys: “Nicki Minaj is not here… She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues. ‘Actually Nicki, I have the biggest a$$! Everybody’s saying it, Nicki. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me.’”
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) February 2, 2026
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