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Music’s biggest night sparked political controversy as former President Donald Trump criticized the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, calling the event “not watchable” and taking specific aim at host Trevor Noah in a social media post.
“Has anyone noticed that the ratings for the ‘Grammys’ were absolutely terrible last night?” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday, the day after the awards ceremony. The former president claimed the show had “no credibility” and described Noah as “the extremely weak and untalented” host.
The Grammy Awards, broadcast on CBS on Sunday evening, featured performances from major artists including Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and U2. It also included a surprise appearance by Celine Dion, who presented the Album of the Year award amid her ongoing battle with stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.
Noah, the former host of “The Daily Show,” was leading the Grammys for the fourth consecutive year. During the broadcast, he made several jokes referencing current political figures, including a quip about Trump’s recent $83.3 million defamation verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case.
“This is how crazy inflation is—this award used to be worth $60 million,” Noah joked, referring to an earlier defamation judgment against Trump. “Now it’s worth $83 million. Can you imagine? Can you imagine if every time you lied about hooking up with someone, it cost you $83 million? Hip-hop would be bankrupt.”
Trump’s criticism comes as entertainment awards shows have struggled with declining viewership in recent years. The Grammy Awards drew approximately 16.9 million viewers this year, representing a modest 34% increase from last year, according to preliminary Nielsen data. While this marks the show’s largest audience since 2020, viewership remains substantially below historical highs.
The former president has frequently targeted entertainment industry events during and after his presidency. In January, he criticized the Golden Globe Awards as “boring and very unfair,” claiming they were “strictly politics.”
Award shows have become increasingly politicized in recent years, with performers and presenters often using their platforms to express views on social issues and political matters. This trend has alienated some viewers who prefer entertainment without political commentary, while others appreciate celebrities using their visibility to address important topics.
Media analysts suggest that the fragmentation of viewing habits, with audiences increasingly turning to streaming services and social media for entertainment, has contributed significantly to the decline in traditional television event viewership. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, forcing many award shows to adapt to virtual or hybrid formats that often lacked the spectacle and engagement of traditional ceremonies.
CBS and the Recording Academy have been working to revitalize the Grammys in recent years, incorporating more diverse nominees and performers while attempting to maintain the show’s cultural relevance. This year’s ceremony featured several noteworthy moments, including Taylor Swift announcing her new album “The Tortured Poets Department” while accepting the award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Despite Trump’s criticism, the ceremony received generally positive reviews from entertainment critics, who praised Noah’s hosting abilities and the diversity of performances. The show was largely free of technical issues that have plagued some previous telecasts.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, with Trump seeking the Republican nomination, his comments reflect the ongoing tension between politics and entertainment in American culture. The intersection of celebrity and political discourse continues to be a complex and divisive aspect of public life, particularly in an election year when cultural institutions often become proxies for broader political debates.
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10 Comments
The Grammys always spark some political commentary, which can be a distraction from the main focus of celebrating musical achievements. It’s best to appreciate the artistic performances and awards while acknowledging the broader societal and political context in which they occur.
Agreed. The Grammys should be about the music, not the politics. Viewers can enjoy the show without getting caught up in partisan bickering.
Love him or hate him, the former president’s criticism of the Grammys is not surprising. He’s known for his outspoken views on media and entertainment. While his comments may resonate with some, others will likely find them to be more political posturing than substantive analysis.
That’s a fair assessment. The former president’s comments seem more aimed at scoring political points than providing a balanced critique of the show’s quality or the host’s performance.
It’s interesting to see the former president criticize the Grammys’ ratings and host Trevor Noah’s performance. While political figures often comment on media events, it’s important to evaluate such critiques objectively and not let partisanship cloud the discussion.
You raise a fair point. Viewers should form their own opinions about the show’s quality and the host’s skills, rather than simply accepting the former president’s assessment at face value.
It’s interesting to see the former president’s reaction to the Grammys, particularly his criticism of Trevor Noah’s hosting. While personal opinions on the show’s quality may vary, it’s important to remember that the Grammys are primarily about celebrating musical achievements, not partisan politics.
Exactly. The Grammys should be a night to honor the artists and their work, not a platform for political grandstanding. Viewers can enjoy the music and performances without getting drawn into the political drama.
The Grammys have always been a platform for artists to express themselves and address social and political issues. While some may view this as inappropriate, it’s important to remember that music and politics have long been intertwined. Viewers can choose to focus on the artistry or the commentary.
That’s a good point. The Grammys have a history of providing a stage for artists to voice their perspectives on societal issues. Whether one agrees with the political messaging or not, it’s part of the event’s broader cultural significance.