Trevor Noah Criticizes Nicki Minaj in Final Grammys Monologue
The Grammy Awards witnessed an entertaining farewell from host Trevor Noah during the 2026 ceremony. This marked Noah’s sixth and final appearance as the host, and he took the opportunity to humorously criticize rapper Nicki Minaj in his opening monologue.
Trevor Noah’s Memorable Monologue
In his speech, Noah remarked, “Nicki Minaj is not here, she is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.” His impression of a conversation between Minaj and Trump drew laughter and applause from the audience.
Despite being nominated for 12 Grammys over her career, Minaj has yet to win a single award. Her most recent nomination was in 2024 for “Barbie World,” a song featured in Greta Gerwig’s hit movie.
Details of the 2026 Grammy Awards
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Downtown Los Angeles
- Notable Participants: Jamie Foxx, Pharrell, Doechii
Noah opened the ceremony with a humorous take on Bruno Mars’ and Rosé’s song “APT.” He likened the game’s rules to news consumption, saying, “In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink.” The monologue was peppered with political commentary, including a joke about Bad Bunny potentially moving to Puerto Rico as conditions in America worsened.
Transition to ABC Network
The 2026 Grammys also marked a significant shift in broadcasting. This year was the last time the event aired on CBS, with a move to ABC planned for future ceremonies. The switch is part of a 10-year deal with Disney, with the Grammys set to be available on Hulu and Disney+ starting in 2027, continuing through 2036.
Nominees and Awards
| Artist | Nominations | Major Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Kendrick Lamar | 9 | Record, Song, Album of the Year |
| Lady Gaga | 7 | Major Categories |
| Sabrina Carpenter | 6 | Major Categories |
| Bad Bunny | 6 | Major Categories |
As the night progressed, Noah continued his thematic approach, intertwining humor with sharp political jabs. For instance, he quipped about Billie Eilish’s Grammy win, comparing it to Trump’s desire for Greenland.
Noah’s wit and humor provided a memorable farewell to his tenure as the Grammy host, leaving attendees entertained and engaged. His legacy at the Grammys will certainly be felt in future ceremonies.
