Bad Bunny triumphs at politically charged Grammy Awards

The Grammys handed out their 68th round of awards last night at a ceremony dominated by famous faces, a stunning run by Bad Bunny  — and, most notably, a raft of political proclamations from many of the night's winners, colouring an emotionally-charged night that stood in stark contrast to last month's tepid Golden Globes.

But the first champion of the night was without question Kendrick Lamar. After an incredibly dominant performance at last year's awards, his crowning achievement came with the first award of the night. In taking home best rap album for GNX, Lamar became the most awarded rapper in Grammys history. Later that night, he'd earn another crown: record of the year for Luther, featuring SZA.

That honour was queued up by a somewhat bizarre, somewhat charming announcement by Cher. The singer, who was also there to accept a lifetime achievement award, first prematurely walked off stage before reading the winner, then left an uncomfortably long pause while waiting for someone else to call the winner. When she finally did read the name, she proceeded to read the wrong one.

When Lamar eventually did take the stage, the musician would echo sentiments similar to his earlier acceptance speech — once again playing it safe by avoiding overt political statements.

And then SZA took the mic.

"Please don't fall into despair, I know that right now is a scary time," she said. "We're not governed by the government, we're governed by God."

It was that kind of topical, politics-infused statement that seeped out in dribs and drabs Sunday night, found in everything from monologues to tear-stained final acceptance speeches.

It was kicked off and sustained by host Trevor Noah, performing his sixth and final run hosting the ceremonies. He first sent a jab at the notably absent rapper Nicki Minaj, who recently claimed she was the "no. 1 fan" of the U.S. president: "She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues," Noah quipped.

Then, he made a pithy comparison between the president and the coveted song of the year award.

"Wow, that is a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland," he said. "Which makes sense because Epstein's island is gone. He needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton."

Shortly after the ceremony, Trump posted on social media that he would "sue this poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C."

But still, the theme of politically-charged, Trump-inspired statements carried on, including by Olivia Dean. After a series of performances by fellow best new artist nominees (including Lola Young, who later gained a surprise win for best pop solo performance over Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan), the English singer-songwriter mounted the stage to take her trophy.

"I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant," she proclaimed. "I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."

Later, contemporary country album winner Jelly Roll (triumphing for his Beautifully Broken) got in on the act, stating in his acceptance that "Jesus is not owned by one political party." And from there, Carole King, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, Rhiannon Giddens, Finneas and Billie Eilish all sported anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement pins; with the last ending her song of the year acceptance speech (winning for Wildflower) saying "no one is illegal on stolen land."