Trevor Noah Slams Trump Tariffs During Grammys Opening Monologue

With the way American politics have been going these past few weeks, Trevor Noah isn’t sure if he’ll ever have another chance to host the Grammy Awards — so he’s making the most of it at this year’s ceremony. The returning host used his opening monologue at the 2025 Grammys to push back against tariffs and lightly campaign for Beyoncé to win Album of the Year.

“We’re going to be honoring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy and 20 million illegal immigrants,” Noah said. “And tonight, no matter what happens, history will be made.”

He made it clear that he didn’t know if Beyoncé would show up (though she’s been fashionably late to the show in the past), but he’s backing Cowboy Carter all the way. “Queen Bee is back. She’s back at the Grammys with 11 nominations this year,” he added. “She could win Album of the Year for the first time ever for her smash country album Cowboy Carter. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s how you know you clocked the game, when you can go into any genre and still be one of the best.”

He’ll be front and center at the newly announced Cowboy Carter tour, too, if these tariffs don’t get in the way. “We can’t afford a new tour,” he joked. “Maple syrup is about to be $50.” He also applauded Lady Gaga for predicting the tone of the new year with the title of her her upcoming album: Mayhem.

Speaking of mayhem and Album of the Year nominees, Noah isn’t in the dark about the pop wars happening around the show — namely Taylor Swift being in the mix for Album of the Year with the album she announced at last year’s show, The Tortured Poets Department.

“If Taylor wins, she could become the first artist ever to win album of the year five times, which means she would break the record of four wins set all the way back in 2024 by Taylor Swift,” Noah said. “I’m just going to say Taylor, if you break Taylor’s record, you know the Swifties are going to come for you. You don’t want to mess with them like an army of Kendrick Lamars, all right.”

Music’s biggest night has much more in store. All awards not presented during the pre-show ceremony — including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Records of the Year — will be handed out during the show in between performances.

Nominees Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Raye, Doechii, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and more will take the stage throughout the night.

The 2025 Grammy Awards is doubling as a fundraising event. Direct Relief will benefit residents, first responders, and local health centers. California Community Foundation will provide aid to more than 100 local non-profits. The Pasadena Community foundation will support impacted communities in Altadena and Pasadena.