Trevor Noah bid farewell to his six-year run as host of the Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, with an opening monologue that spared no one, taking aim at Nicki Minaj, Donald Trump, and even Ticketmaster. This year marks Noah's final stint as emcee. The comedian's jokes sparked reactions among viewers and attendees alike.
Noah kicked off the broadcast by acknowledging many of the music industry's biggest names in attendance. However, it was his jab at Nicki Minaj that truly grabbed attention. Pointing out her absence, Noah quipped that she was "still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues". He then launched into a Trump impersonation, saying, "Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody's saying it, Nicki. I know they say it's you, but it's me. Wap, wap, wap. Look at it, baby!". The joke referenced Minaj's recent public support for Trump, including an appearance at a Treasury Department summit where she proclaimed herself "probably the president's No. 1 fan". Minaj's support for Trump and the "Make America Great Again" movement has stirred conversation and division among her fans.
Beyond Minaj, Noah also took a swipe at Ticketmaster, likely alluding to ongoing frustrations with the ticketing giant's fees and service. While the specifics of the Ticketmaster joke weren't detailed, it's safe to assume it resonated with many in the audience, given the widespread criticism the company has faced.
Noah also compared this year's Grammys to the 1999 ceremony. "The last time Lauryn Hill performed at the Grammys was in 1999," said Noah. "Back in 1999 the President had a sex scandal, people thought computers were about to destroy the world and Diddy was arrested. Boy, how times have changed".
The 68th annual Grammy Awards were held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year also marks the last time the Grammy Awards ceremony will air on CBS, after a decades-long partnership. The ceremony is moving over to ABC and Disney+ next year, through 2036.
Prior to the awards, it was announced that Trevor Noah would be hosting the event for the sixth and final time. Ben Winston, the show's executive producer, said, "I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time, He's been the most phenomenal host of the show. He's so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can't wait to do it together one last time".