Trevor Noah, the host of the 2024 Grammy Awards, delivered a hilarious and star-studded opening monologue that mocked Taylor Swift’s frequent appearances on the NFL broadcasts, among other topics.
The comedian, also nominated for Best Comedy Album, began by praising the musicians at the ceremony, saying that they write the soundtracks of our lives. Trevor Noah then proceeded to name-drop some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Mark Ronson, Meryl Streep, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.
However, the highlight of his monologue was when he mentioned Taylor Swift, who was nominated for Album of the Year for her record Midnights. Swift has been dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce since 2022 and has been a regular fixture in the NFL games, often seen cheering for her boyfriend and his team.
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Trevor Noah joked that he thought it was unfair how NFL fans have been complaining about the cameras cutting to Swift as if she was controlling them at the games. He said that Swift supported her man and that people should let her live.
Another late arrival: Taylor Swift, who could make Grammy history with a potential Album of the Year win. As she walked across the room, Trevor Noah talked about recent reports on the singer’s economic impact.
“Are you seeing what’s happening right now as Taylor Swift moves through the room?” Noah asked the crowd. “The local economy around those tables improves. Can you see you get this magic right now? Look at this magic. Lionel Richie, now Lionel Wealthy. Look at that.”
Trevor Noah added that every time he mentioned Swift’s name, he would cut to someone who played football and show a shot of actor and former NFL player Terry Crews, sitting in the audience. He also teased that Swift might have some big news to share later in the show, possibly related to her Reputation TV series, which has been rumored to be in the works.
Trevor Noah also made fun of himself, saying he was hosting the Grammys for the fourth time and still waiting for his invitation to the Met Gala. He said that he hoped this year would be different and that he would finally get to rub shoulders with Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles.
Trevor Noah ended his monologue by saying that his job as host was to keep the good vibes going and ensure everyone had a good time. He said the show was live and anything like a Boeing airplane could happen. He then introduced the first performer of the night, Billie Eilish, who sang her hit song “Happier Than Ever”.
“It really is momentous for me because it’s not just about the award or the nomination, it’s about the company that I’m nominated alongside,” he told earlier this month, before expressing admiration for fellow nominees Wanda Sykes, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock.
Noah continued, “To be in the same category as these people is special. It becomes a milestone that reminds me to think more about the process than the outcome. And to be in this moment, I want to savor it for as long as possible.”
