Politics and social issues have been talked about a lot in Hollywood recently, almost ever since Trump’s inauguration. It seems like every celebrity is speaking up about how they disagree with his politics and viewpoints. Although the topic is very controversial, it doesn’t stop people from speaking their mind about what they think is right. This is a very important issue, but it is starting to take over award shows.
In this year’s Grammy Awards politics were extremely present, so much so that it almost took away from the entire show. It started to seem like a human rights rally, rather than an award show. I do agree that people have to speak up about issues that are affecting our country, but there is a line that has to be drawn before an award show loses its entertainment value. The Grammys were packed with fiery performances and a somber reflection on The World Today, which made it confusing. It’s hard to fully enjoy yourself watching these performances if there are constant reminders of how horrible the world is today. I thought music was supposed to take you away from your problems?
The host, James Corden, a really funny guy that hosts “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” He certainly deserved to host due to his comedic talents, but people criticized him for his overt political statements that all were extremely liberal. His one sketch later on in the night was based on Corden trying to book a famous voice to read Michael Wolff’s best selling tell-all about the Trump administration “Fire and Fury.” There was even a Hillary Clinton appearance that seemed manufactured solely for the conservative outrage it might spark. It certainly did that.
Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjbysQgJ64Y
Some people didn’t feel like it was appropriate to have on an award show:
I have always loved the Grammys but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it. Don’t ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it.
— Archive: Ambassador Nikki Haley (@AmbNikkiHaley) January 29, 2018
So was the sketch too controversial? I personally believe that he should have just thrown it out. Award shows are based on music and not politics. If a star wants to state their views, they should do so but it shouldn’t take up the theme of the entire night because it detracts from the real reason these artists are all here- for their love of music. Creating this divide between liberals and conservatives only isolates both sides. This controversy only took away from the show, but I know that it will happen again on the next big award show. I would love to see future shows not turn into a political rally, but that might be too much to hope for.
