Trevor Noah Pokes Fun at Nicki Minaj and Trump During Grammys Opening Monologue

Trevor Noah once again showed why he’s been an ideal Grammys host these last six years, opening the 2026 show with his usual mix of genuine fan enthusiasm and comedic wit — with just a bit of political edge.

Following a kick-off performance of “APT.” from Bruno Mars and Rosé, Noah joked that the Korean drinking game that inspired the smash hit is way more complicated than what we have here in America where “every time you turn on the news, you drink.” 

While welcoming the nominees and attendees to music’s biggest night, Noah noted the copious Grammy categories, covering all genres from hip-hop and country to audiobooks and stand-up comedy. “They’ve even got a category for Best Voicemail From Your Grandmother,” he joked. “Another three-and-a-half minute banger, nana!” 

From there, Noah did his version of Grammys crowd work, walking through the tightly packed tables as he schmoozed with, praised, and occasionally goofed on the many stars in attendance. He hit up Pharrell for some Louis Vuitton discount codes and asked Jelly Roll if he could unlock Teddy Swims’ phone with his face.

Noah’s sharpest burn came in the middle of the roll call, when he quipped, “Nicki Minaj… is not here,” which got a rather notable cheer from portions of the crowd. Referring to her recent dalliances with the MAGA movement, Noah quipped that she was “still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues.” 

Then busting out his Trump impression, Noah cracked, “Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass — everybody’s saying it. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me.”

This is set to be Noah’s final time hosting the Grammys after an impressive run. He was first tapped to helm the show in 2021, when only a small assortment of nominees were in attendance as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were just starting to lift. 

Noah has been called back to host the Grammys every year since. But when he was confirmed for the 68th Grammys this year, show producer Ben Winston revealed that it would be Noah’s last time as MC.

Speaking with press earlier this week (via People), Winston revealed that Noah had intended to bow out after last year, but the Grammy producers were unable to find a “suitable replacement.” When December rolled around, and they still hadn’t found anybody, Winston said he sent Noah an impassioned plea: “Literally I was on my knees in this video and I said, ‘Please look at this incredible lineup we’ve got on the show. The only thing that’s missing is you, come back and do one final year.’” 
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While Noah agreed, it wasn’t an immediate yes. “It was the longest I’ve ever waited for a text to come back in my life!” Winston quipped.

Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. also praised Noah’s hosting tenure, saying, “Trevor has been so instrumental in the success or the recent growth of our show. He has set the tone for who we are and what we do on this night. So smart, so thoughtful, so funny. And he’s just a music guy.”