Grammys 2026: Trevor Noah mocks Nicki Minaj in opening monologue over MAGA ties, jokes 'she’s still at the White House with Trump'

The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off with high energy as host Trevor Noah immediately targeted absent rapper Nicki Minaj and US President Donald Trump. His opening monologue blended sharp humour and playful satire, instantly grabbing the audience’s attention and setting the stage for an evening filled with laughter, applause, and moments destined to go viral across social media.



"No Nicki Minaj tonight," Trevor quipped, pausing to let the crowd’s applause die down. The audience erupted, with notable reactions including Chrissy Teigen giving a cheeky thumbs-up and mouthing "Bye" in agreement.

Trevor then pivoted to Donald Trump, imagining a humorous exchange between the two. "She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues," he joked, before mimicking Trump saying, "Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass." The playful banter drew roaring laughter, showcasing Trevor’s quick wit and comfort on the stage.

The six-time Grammy host, in his final appearance, also took aim at the star-studded audience. “So many celebrities in this room, I feel like I’m at Jeff Bezos’ wedding, but with far more Black people,” he joked, drawing laughter and applause. Noah drew parallels between past and present, noting the last Lauryn Hill performance in 1999, a year marked by presidential scandal, fears about computers, and Diddy’s arrest. “Boy, how times have changed,” he added.



Noah’s humour moved seamlessly from historical reflections to individual jabs. Turning his attention to Justin Bieber, who was set to perform, he praised the pop star for small yet impactful actions, such as persuading Apple to move the keyboard dictation button, calling him a “hero” for improving user experience. The host then delivered a pointed comment on Nicki Minaj’s absence. “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues,” he said, launching into an exaggerated Trump impersonation that had the audience roaring.



Amid the jokes, Noah also highlighted artists making real-world impact. He praised Olivia Dean for standing up against Ticketmaster’s resale practices, ensuring fans could afford concert tickets. Similarly, he celebrated Doechii’s hit record “Anxiety,” joking that it had become the nation’s new anthem. These observations balanced satire with recognition, demonstrating Noah’s unique ability to blend entertainment with social awareness.



Noah’s performance reminded viewers why he has become synonymous with Grammy openings. Executive producer Ben Winston expressed admiration for his intelligence, wit, and genuine appreciation of artists, describing his contributions as “truly spectacular.” With a total of 95 awards presented across the main and premiere ceremonies, the evening promised both glitz and significance, marking a vibrant close to Noah’s six-year tenure.



By blending sharp comedy, celebrity commentary, and cultural insight, Noah set the Grammys’ tone for a night of laughter, music, and unforgettable moments. His closing monologue reinforced his legacy as a host who could deliver both humour and relevance, leaving audiences anticipating what this year’s winners and performances would bring.