Trevor Noah returned to host the Grammys for a fifth time on Sunday, and opened the show with a tribute to Los Angeles after the devastating fires. The former “Daily Show” host focused on fire relief and the resilience of Los Angeles, saying, “Despite all the devastation, the spirit of the city has emerged.”
He then cut to L.A. rock duo Dawes, which fronted a band including John Legend, Brittany Howard, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent and Brad Paisley, playing a reworked rendition of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”
After the song, Noah started the monologue jokes, poking fun at celebrities in the audience as well as a few jabs at the Trump administration.
Noah joked that AI might bring us a new Rihanna album, shouted out Mustard à la Kendrick Lamar, quipped that if Taylor Swift breaks her own record the Swifties might go after her, and delivered a few knocks at Trump — including a plea to Beyoncé that she can’t tour now, because we can’t afford it with tariffs.
Read Noah’s monologue in full below.
“Good evening, and welcome to the 67th annual Grammy Awards. We are coming to live from Los Angeles, but what is unusual are our circumstances this evening. Just a few weeks ago, we were not sure that this show would even happen. I mean, you don’t need me to tell you this, but this city has been through one of the largest natural disasters in American history. Tens of thousands of people have lost their homes, entire neighborhoods have been erased, schools, local businesses and entire communities have burned to the ground. Thankfully, due to the heroic efforts of firefighters, the fires have been contained. Despite all the devastation, the spirit of the city has emerged.
“Neighbors who had never spoken before are helping each other. Community centers are overflowing with donations. Families are welcoming strangers into their homes so they too have a place to sleep. It’s often said that in the darkest of times, the best of humanity shines through, and the people of Los Angeles right now are a perfect example of that. Tonight, we decided we are not just going to celebrate your favorite music: We are all supporting the city that brought us so much music. I mean, just look at some of the performers here tonight. L.A. Is where Billie Eilish and Finneas turned a small bedroom in Highland Park into a Grammy Award-winning studio. The clubs of L.A. inspired Chappell Roan to create the anthem that is “Pink Pony Club.” It was here in Los Angeles that Stevie Wonder wrote and recorded arguably the greatest album of all time: “Songs in the Key of Life.” L.A. was the city where Snoop first mixed gin and juice, and hip-hop has never been the same.
“So, to kick off tonight’s show in a really special way, allow me to tell you about a band that has L.A. in the DNA. Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are two brothers born and raised in the city who make up the band Dawes. They, like so many others, have lost so much in these fires: Griffin’s home, their childhood home, their home music studio, and almost all their instruments. Despite their tragic loss, Dawes has helped raise money for nearly 100 other families also affected by the disaster. They truly epitomize the unique spirit we are seeing in L.A. right now. This year, what better way to start the Grammy Awards? Joined by an all-star band of Grammy award-winning artists representing your music community, coming together: John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard and St. Vincent. To open the Grammys, welcome Dawes.”
[Break for Dawes performance]
“That’s right, people. History will be made. Some artists, like Sabrina Carpenter or Chappell Roan, who I saw over there, may become first-time Grammy winners. Others, like Taylor Swift, André 3000, and Beyoncé can further themselves in Grammy history. Yes, Beyoncé will be here tonight. I hope she’ll be. I can’t make her do anything. I’m just saying, I hope — if she doesn’t show up, we will just edit this out. It’s not live. It is. There’s nothing I can do. But think about it: Queen Bee is back at the Grammys with 11 nominations this year, people. Beyoncé has 11 nominations this year. She could win album of the year for the first time ever, for her smash country album ‘Cowboy Carter.’ I don’t care what anybody says: That’s how you know you have clocked the game. When you can go into any genre and still be one of the best. Two years ago, Beyoncé won for best dance album. Tonight alone, she is nominated and best country, best pop, best Americana and best melodic rap. André 3000 better watch out. Next year, she is coming for the flute.
“Mustaaaard! Ask your Black friends. Three-time Grammy winner Shakira is in the house … the greatest thing out of Columbia that isn’t a felony. We have Lady Gaga in the house! She’s going to be performing tonight, and she just announced her new album ‘Mayhem,’ which is really impressive, dropping next month. I don’t know how you knew the theme of 2025 when you named your album. I was prescient of you. Congratulations. Taylor Swift is here, Jack Antonoff — look at this table! Are you kidding me? Taylor Swift, fresh off the biggest world tour in history. In history, people. Not only did Taylor crush the record books: She got more Americans traveling than those Turkish hair transplants. People are flying everywhere for her. Tonight, she’s back with another six nominations for the album she announced when she won last year. That was like Grammy inception. I like how you did that. Plus, 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 in 2024 by … Taylor Swift. If you break Taylor’s record, you know the Swifties are going to come for you. You don’t want to mess with them. They are like an army of Kendrick Lamars.
“We are going to have fun tonight. We’re going to do something different. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s been a few changes in Washington. I’m going to enjoy tonight, because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country. Tonight’s just not about music. All night long, we will be raising funds for Musicares fire relief, supporting the work of Musicares and other fantastic charities. Direct relief is providing care to first responders, residents and local health centers. Telephone community foundation has disbursed fire aid to more than 130 local nonprofits, and Pasadena committee foundation, supporting those hardest hit in Altadena and Pasadena.
“For every single person in this room, there is a QR code on your seat, at your tables, in your cupholders. There is a QR code, Crypto.com arena. We want you to give as generously as you can. And it’s not just the individuals in this room. I know those corporate sponsors out there in the boxes. All of the CEOs. All the people up there. I would love a donation from you as well. Yeah, all the music companies as well. Everyone here. Even the network you are watching now, CBS. You’ve got that ‘Equalizer’ money. Come on. Do something. At home, you can contribute in any way. There is a QR code on the screen. No pressure, just scan it and join in. All right, it’s time for some music. How appropriate? It’s from one of L.A.’s most famous exports, at the age of just 23 she is already a nine-time Grammy award winner, with big nominations this year, including song, record, and album of the year. Please welcome Billie Eilish.”
