The Monologue Moment That Stole the Show (Image Credits: Flickr)
Los Angeles – Trevor Noah opened the 2026 Grammy Awards with a monologue that spotlighted Nicki Minaj’s absence and her recent embrace of President Donald Trump, drawing thunderous applause from the star-studded crowd.
The Monologue Moment That Stole the Show
Noah scanned the audience, naming celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus before landing on Minaj. “Nicki Minaj is not here,” he declared, prompting cheers that echoed through the venue.[1][2]
Model Chrissy Teigen flashed a thumbs-up and mouthed “Bye” as cameras captured the reaction. Noah pressed on, quipping that Minaj remained at the White House with Trump to discuss “very important issues.” He then channeled a Trump impression: “Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass. Everybody’s saying it, Nicki.”[1]
The bit riffed on Minaj’s famous asset boasts in tracks like “Anaconda,” blending pop culture with politics in Noah’s signature style. Sunday marked his sixth and final time hosting the event, and he saved some of his boldest punches for this opener.
Minaj Fires Back on Social Media
Minutes after the broadcast, Minaj hit X with a pointed retort. “Trevor refuses to come out the closet when everyone in the industry knows his boyfriend. Allegedly,” she posted, attaching photos of Jay-Z alongside a selfie in a “Nicki was right about everything” hat.[1][3]
The allegation appeared unfounded and drew quick backlash for its homophobic undertones. Minaj escalated further, ranting about industry conspiracies, child sacrifices, and Jay-Z’s past ties to Aaliyah. Her posts reignited a long-simmering feud with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, stemming from claims she pursued over unpaid royalties last year.
Context of Minaj’s Trump Support
Minaj’s political pivot gained traction recently. She visited the White House and Capitol last week, flaunting a Trump “gold card” visa and declaring herself his “No. 1 fan.”[4]
At a conservative event in Phoenix, she praised Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their relatability. Critics in the music world viewed her stance as divisive, especially amid Grammy season. Noah’s joke tapped into that tension, highlighting her skipped appearance despite past nominations.
- Audience erupts in cheers at Minaj’s absence announcement.
- Noah impersonates Trump debating “biggest assets” with Minaj.
- Minaj posts allegation about Noah’s personal life, includes Jay-Z images.
- Feud traces to 2025 royalty dispute with Roc Nation.
- Minaj shares conspiracy theories post-joke.
Reactions and Noah’s Hosting Legacy
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed Noah as a “giant loser” on X. Fans split online, with some decrying Minaj’s response as “weird behavior” given her LGBTQ+ fanbase, while others defended her candor.[5]
Noah continued his set with jabs at Jeff Bezos’s wedding and Bad Bunny’s no-perform clause, cementing his run as a sharp, unfiltered host. The exchange underscored music’s intersection with politics at awards shows.
Key Takeaways:
- Noah’s roast celebrated Minaj’s absence amid her Trump alignment.
- Minaj’s reply veered personal, fueling speculation on industry grudges.
- The spat highlights ongoing tensions between hip-hop icons and politics.
This Grammy dust-up serves as a reminder of how celebrity banter can swiftly escalate in the social media age. What do you think of Noah’s bold opener or Minaj’s clapback? Share in the comments.
