Trevor Noah Critiques Nicki Minaj, Donald Trump at Grammy Awards

Trevor Noah delivered a memorable performance as the host of the Grammy Awards on January 31, 2026. In his opening monologue, he targeted notable figures Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump, eliciting strong reactions from the audience.

Trevor Noah’s Opening Remarks at the Grammys

Noah began by stating, “Nicki Minaj is not here.” His comment was met with exuberant applause, indicating the crowd’s delight at her absence. Social media reactions reflected this sentiment, with fans celebrating the moment. Notably, television personality Chrissy Teigen was seen giving a thumbs-up and mouthing, “Bye.”

Jokes at Nicki Minaj’s Expense

Following the initial quip, Noah continued to poke fun at Minaj’s absence. He sarcastically suggested that she was still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing “very important issues.” This led him to impersonate the former president, humorously imagining him saying, “Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass.”

A Historic Hosting Stint

This year marked Trevor Noah’s sixth consecutive hosting of the Grammy Awards. He has been the face of the event since the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021. However, 2026 is significant because it has been confirmed as his final hosting appearance by Grammys executive producer Ben Winston.

Conclusion

Noah left an indelible mark on the 2026 Grammy Awards, combining humor with sharp social commentary. His ability to engage the audience while addressing controversial figures set the tone for the evening.