The 60th Annual Grammy red carpet was infused with white roses – a stark contrast to the blacked out Golden Globes Awards. Since the spur of the #MeToo movement and the political controversy that still lingers around Hollywood, the time has come for yet another political and controversial award show: the Grammys.
Female music executives emailed, earlier in the week, award show attendees to adorn the white roses in solidarity for the movement against sexual harassment and abuse.
Standing for hope, peace, sympathy, and resistance – Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Nick Jonas, and other prominent artists were amongst those representing the symbolic rose at the Grammys.
Kesha — after undergoing a lawsuit against Dr. Luke for allegedly drugging and raping her on multiple occasions — sang her hit “Praying” to place a spotlight upon the #MeToo movement. During her performance, other female singers, including Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, and Andra Day joined Kesha onstage.
“I think it’s important to stand in solidarity with our sisters, our friends, mothers, daughters, women all over the world to raise awareness about what’s happening,” said Brit pop star Dua Lipa, who also stood with the movement, to TIME. “We all want a brighter future, we all want equality, we all want see us moving forward.”
The roses weren’t only intended for women to wear, as men of the entertainment industry also showed their support for the movement; James Corden, Drew Taggart, and Scooter Braun were amongst those.
Along the #MeToo movement, other debates rose to the surface during the awards show. For instance, Kendrick Lamar and Dave Chappelle incorporated the topic of race into the show. Lamar performed his politically-charged singles, “DNA” and “XXX.” On stage, dancers wore hoodies and at the very end of the performance, the sound of gunshots went off and dancers fell one by one.
“The only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America,” said Lamar afterwards.
Logic, Alessia Cara, and Khalid courted in the issue of suicide by performing Logic’s hit single, “1-800-273-8255” alongside a group of suicide attempt survivors and the family members of victims.
Logic’s performance delivered a message on strength and acceptance, he explains, “…I say stand tall and crush all predators under the weight of your heart that is full of the love they will never take away from you. Be not scared to use your voice! Especially in instances like these when you have the opportunity! Stand and fight for those who are not weak, but have yet to discover the strength that the evil of this world has done its best to conceal.”
As an icing on the cake, a prerecorded skit – starring Hillary Clinton – mocked President Trump’s fear of being poisoned as Clinton read aloud from Michael Wolff’s controversial book, “Fire and Fury.” Along with Clinton, a few other artists decided to read pages from the book. Even Cardi B questioned if he’s really done most of the stuff stated.
The 60th Annual Grammys have proven once again, that politically and socially charged award shows and events is quickly becoming the norm this year.
