Go to contents

Grammys 2017 turns into anti-Trump rant

Posted February. 14, 2017 07:07,   

Updated February. 14, 2017 07:14

한국어
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards that was held at Sunday night (local time) was marred by anti-Trump slogans and this was not the first time. Stars did not mind to deliver their political messages against Trump in last month’s Golden Globe Awards as well as Grammys this time. Pop and the Trump culture wars are expected to be continued in the upcoming Oscars (scheduled on Feb. 26) and thereafter.

British comedian James Corden, host of this year’s Grammys held at Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center, opened the stage in quite exceptional way. Corden appeared by pretending of falling down steps and was applauded by the audience by performing self-prepared rap. “Live it all up because this is the best and with President Trump we don’t know what comes next,” said Corden.

While presenting the award for Best New Artist, Jennifer Lopez expressed anti-Trump message by quoting African American novelist Toni Morrison, “This is exactly when artists go to work.” Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, raised her voice and said, “We could really use this kind of excitement at a pipeline protests. #NoDAPL! (referring to the trending tag used to support protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline on social media).” People began to voice opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline as Trump approved construction and it was previously rejected by Obama.

American pop star Katy Perry appeared on stage and she wore a badge of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) logo of which financial support might be stopped due to Trump’s executive order defunding the organization. Perry performed her song while the "We the People" message of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution was projected behind her.

Hip-hop group "A Tribe Called Quest" and rapper Busta Rhymes performed breaking a wall installed on stage and said, “I wanna thank President Agent Orange for perpetuating all the evil that you’ve been perpetuating throughout the U.S. and for your unsuccessful attempt at the Muslim ban.”

The performance ended with the chant of “resist” for four times. Beyoncé has taken the award for Best Urban Contemporary Album. In her acceptance speech, she said, “It’s vital that we recognize our tendencies to repeat our mistakes.”



imi@donga.com