Grammys 2021: Trevor Noah opens show with short, sweet and funny monologue
Trevor Noah opened the 2021 Grammys with an opening monologue that was short, sweet and -- most importantly -- funny.
"Tonight we're gonna celebrate some of the fantastic music that has touched our lives and saved our souls over this unprecedented year," Noah, who has hosted "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central since 2015, began, kicking off the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
"As you can see here, we are outside. We get to enjoy the great Los Angeles air, which I know may be as dangerous as COVID, but we're willing to take the risk," he explained of this year's unique setup. "Tonight is going to be the biggest outdoor event this year besides the storming of the Capitol."
Noah joked that the show -- which notoriously runs past its three-hour run -- needed to be speedy this year, saying, "We have to do it quickly because tomorrow this tent is reserved for an outdoor wedding in Malibu and I do not want to lose my security deposit."
The comedian also explained that nominees will be seated at tables in the same area during their categories, noting that there will be "more tension in that tent than at a family reunion at Buckingham Palace."
When it was announced that he would be hosting, Noah said he was "extremely disappointed that the Grammys have refused to have me sing or be nominated for best pop album," but that he was "thrilled to be hosting this auspicious event."
The show was originally scheduled to take place on Jan. 31, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic as cases surged in Los Angeles County.
"What’s made it unique is that we’ve managed to make a show that is a full show for you at home," Noah said of how the Grammys will be different from other awards shows this year, according to The Associated Press. "When you watch it, you won’t be spending the whole time like, 'Aww man, this is a pandemic show.' Like no, this is one of your favorite concert shows."
Heading into music's biggest night, Beyoncé -- the most-nominated female performer in Grammys history -- reigned supreme with nine nominations, more than any other artist this year.
Performances are expected from Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa and more. Per the Recording Academy, they "will be coming together, while still safely apart, to play music for each other."
The Grammys will be honoring live music venues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with workers from those venues presenting several categories during the ceremony.
