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Trevor Noah, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, found himself at the center of controversy following his opening monologue at the 2024 Grammy Awards. While Noah has been widely praised for his ability to balance humor with respect—especially after the Golden Globes debacle—his jokes at the Grammys did not sit well with everyone. Some of his remarks were met with eye-rolls, awkward silences, and an outpouring of criticism on social media.
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During his monologue, Noah joked about the Grammy voting process, claiming it was decided by “13,000 members of the Recording Academy and 20 million illegal immigrants.” Many believe he was mocking the Trump administration’s stance on immigration, rather than endorsing it. However, the joke didn’t land well with the audience. Grammy-winning artist Doechii was seen rolling her eyes, a reaction that quickly went viral.
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Another particularly controversial joke involved Colombian singer Shakira. Noah quipped, “Three-time Grammy winner Shakira is in the house. The greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a felony.” While likely intended as a lighthearted remark, many found it offensive and unnecessary, considering the way Colombia has been historically stereotyped in the media.
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He also made a joke about former President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, saying, “There’s been a few changes in Washington. So I’m gonna enjoy tonight because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country.” While Noah has never shied away from political humor, the comment felt out of place at a music awards show, leading to mixed reactions.
As soon as the monologue ended, Noah’s name began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with many users voicing their frustration. Some felt his jokes were tone-deaf and outdated, while others criticized him for making immigration and felony-related remarks at an event meant to celebrate music.
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One user wrote, “Trevor Noah used to be the king of clever humor. What happened tonight?”, while another added, “This wasn’t the Golden Globes. We didn’t need forced political jokes at the Grammys.” Others defended Noah, suggesting that his jokes were taken out of context or misinterpreted.
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Noah has been praised in the past for his ability to address political topics with humor without being disrespectful. His hosting gig at last year’s Grammys was widely applauded, and many believed he had redeemed award show humor after Jo Koy’s failed attempt at the Golden Globes. However, this year’s performance suggests that even experienced hosts can misfire.
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Some argue that Noah was simply pushing boundaries in a way that award shows often do, while others feel that comedy should evolve to be more thoughtful and inclusive. Either way, his jokes didn’t resonate the way he might have hoped.
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Trevor Noah’s 2024 Grammys hosting gig will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. While some of his jokes sparked laughter, others fell flat, leaving a sour taste for many viewers. Whether this backlash will impact future hosting opportunities for Noah remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: award show humor continues to be a tricky balancing act, and even the most skilled comedians can miss the mark.
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