Trevor Noah just wrapped his sixth and final turn hosting the Grammy Awards, and he didn’t hold back.
The comedian delivered a politically charged monologue that took aim at everyone from Nicki Minaj to Donald Trump, marking the end of an era for both Noah and CBS’s decades-long relationship with music’s biggest night.
Held at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on February 1st, the ceremony showcased Noah’s signature blend of sharp commentary and celebrity roasting.
But one joke in particular had audiences buzzing—and it involved the rapper conspicuously absent from the star-studded event.
Taking Aim at Nicki Minaj’s White House Visit
Noah wasted no time addressing Nicki Minaj’s absence from the ceremony, connecting it to her recent controversies and White House appearances.
Nicki Minaj is not here, she is not here, uh.
The comment drew loud cheers from attendees before Noah launched into his Trump impression.
She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues: ‘Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass, I have it. Everybody’s saying it Nicki, I know they say it’s you, but it’s me. Womp womp womp, look at it baby.’
The jab referenced Minaj’s alignment with MAGA politics, earning her the nickname “MAGA Barbie” among critics. Despite 12 Grammy nominations throughout her career, Minaj has never taken home the golden gramophone.
Her last nomination came in 2024 for “Barbie World,” featured in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie film.
Political Commentary Disguised as Entertainment
Noah’s opening monologue cleverly avoided explicit political statements while making his perspective crystal clear through comparison and implication.
He kicked things off with a riff on Bruno Mars and Rosé’s viral hit “APT,” explaining the Korean drinking game that inspired it before delivering a pointed observation.
In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink.
Drawing Parallels Between 1999 and Today
Introducing Lauryn Hill’s first Grammy performance since the turn of the millennium, Noah highlighted how little—and how much—has changed in American culture.
Back in 1999, the president had had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world and Diddy was arrested — boy how times have changed.
The sarcastic delivery wasn’t lost on audiences, who understood the cyclical nature of scandal and controversy Noah was highlighting.
Celebrity Roasts Throughout the Night
Noah kept the energy high with continuous jabs at celebrities and politicians alike. While acknowledging the star-studded audience including Jamie Foxx, Pharrell, and Doechii, he couldn’t resist a comparison.
There are so many stars in this room, I feel like I’m at Jeff Bezos’ wedding, but with way, way more Black people, you know what I mean?
Later, he jokingly asked Bad Bunny if he could relocate to Puerto Rico “if things keep getting worse in America,” with the trap artist reportedly delivering bad news in response.
Trump and Greenland Get the Grammy Treatment
Following Billie Eilish’s Song of the Year victory, Noah connected her win to current political obsessions in characteristically provocative fashion.
That is a Grammy that every artist wants—almost as much as Trump wants Greenland, which makes sense, I mean, because Epstein’s island is gone, he needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.
The joke demonstrated Noah’s willingness to take shots across political lines, referencing both Trump and Clinton in a single punchline.
End of Multiple Eras
Noah’s hosting tenure began in 2017 during his time as host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, creating what many saw as corporate synergy between ViacomCBS properties.
He continued serving as both host and executive producer even after departing The Daily Show in December 2022. This year marks not only Noah’s final appearance as Grammy host but also CBS’s last broadcast of the awards show.
The network has aired the Grammys every year since 1973, making this a significant shift in television history.
Disney Takes Over Starting in 2027
Beginning next year, the Grammy Awards will move to ABC as part of a massive 10-year deal with Disney announced in 2024.
The new arrangement includes:
- Broadcasts on ABC network television
- Streaming availability on Hulu
- Access through Disney+ platform
- Contract extension through 2036
This transition represents a major shift in how awards shows are distributed, reflecting changing viewer habits and the increasing importance of streaming platforms.
A Comedian’s Legacy at Music’s Biggest Night
Over six years, Noah brought his unique perspective to the Grammy stage, blending musical celebration with social commentary. His approach differed markedly from previous hosts, incorporating global perspectives and unafraid to address controversial topics.
As both Emmy-winning comedian and Grammy-nominated artist himself, Noah understood the balance required to entertain diverse audiences while maintaining authenticity. His final monologue encapsulated this approach—entertaining, thought-provoking, and occasionally uncomfortable in the best possible way.
Whether viewers agreed with his political leanings or not, Noah’s impact on modernizing awards show hosting remains undeniable. His departure signals change not just for the Grammys, but for how entertainment and social commentary intersect on television’s biggest stages.