Comedian Ricky Gervais called out Grammy Award winning artists for using their acceptance speeches to deliver woke political messages.
The longtime Golden Globes host took to X on Monday to post a screenshot from his infamous 2020 speech at the awards show, where he scolded celebrities that they were “in no position to lecture the public about anything.”
He captioned this post with the biting statement, “They’re still not listening.”
Later, Gervais doubled down, sharing a clip from the Golden Globes monologue that quickly went viral at the time.
They’re still not listening. pic.twitter.com/JYpMflpTQk
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 3, 2025
The speech criticized Hollywood and big tech for perceived hypocrisy, earning him both applause and outrage.
At the time, he wrapped the segment urging winners to avoid turning the platform into a stage for political grandstanding. “
He said that celebrities weren’t qualified to “lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg,” Gervais said about the teenage climate activist.
The greatest video on the internet.
— The Ricky Gervais Clips (@gervaisclips) January 31, 2025
The comedian finished with a before mic drop worthy comment, when he concluded, “If you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God, and f*** off, OK?”
Fast forward to Sunday’s Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga accepted her Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Bruno Mars for their track “Die With a Smile.”
Gaga ignored Gervais’ advice when she shared her concerns about transgender rights under the new administration and criticized President Donald Trump’s policy reinforcing the recognition of only two genders.
“Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love,” she stated. “The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
Lady Gaga during her acceptance speech at the Grammys: “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love.”
Yes, we’re all very much aware of just how not invisible they are and we’re quite tired of having to conform to their delusions.pic.twitter.com/MEN7eifzd6
— Jaimee Michell (@thegaywhostrayd) February 3, 2025
Shakira, meanwhile, picked up the Best Latin Pop Album award and directed her acceptance speech to the immigrant community.
“I want to dedicate this award to all of my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved, you’re worth it and I will always fight for you,” she declared in the wake of Trump’s sweeping deportation policies.
Shakira at the #Grammys: “I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved. You are worth it and I will always fight with you.” https://t.co/9dIiaa1yj3 pic.twitter.com/wcQlMFq4J0
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) February 3, 2025
Singer Alicia Keys was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used her platform to highlighted her belief in the importance of DEI initiatives, after the Trump administration has all but obliterated them since taking office.
“DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is not a threat, it’s a gift,” Keys asserted. “And the more voices, the more powerful the sound.”
She continued to remind attendees that struggles often lead to resilience and strength. “When destructive forces try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix, and as you see tonight, music is the unstoppable language that connects us all.”
“DEI is not a Threat it’s a Gift”
– Alicia Keys at The Grammys pic.twitter.com/klutmg0S0T— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) February 3, 2025
Host Trevor Noah didn’t shy away from addressing the political landscape during the night either. He quipped, “There’s been a few changes in Washington. I’m going to enjoy tonight because this may be the last time I get to host anything in this country.”
Noah peppered his opening monologue with critiques of Trump’s policies, including tariffs imposed on major trading partners.
He joked, “We’re going to be honoring the best in music as voted on by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy. And 20 million illegal immigrants.”
Doechii rolls her eyes at Trevor Noah’s Immigration joke #GRAMMYs
📹 .@El_Poojy pic.twitter.com/qNBt29YnCG
— Everything Doechii 🐊 (@EDoechii) February 3, 2025
Noah also took aim at Grammy winner Shakira, saying, “She’s the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a class A felony.” Pivoting, he cracked a joke about Beyoncé’s announced Cowboy Carter tour.
“I will say though, Beyoncé, there’s tariffs, we can’t afford a new tour. Maple syrup is about to be $50,” he quipped.
Trevor Noah ROASTS Donald Trump at the Grammys.
“Beyoncé….There’s tariffs, we can’t afford a new tour. Maple syrup is about to be $50.”
I love it! pic.twitter.com/W6AZUqrbrB
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) February 3, 2025
The night wasn’t without critique from the world of country music either. John Rich was particularly outspoken about Beyoncé’s win for Country Album of the Year with her debut in the genre, “Cowboy Carter.”
The country star aired his frustration on X, explaining the voting process behind the awards.
“Folks are asking me ‘how do music award shows work?’ Labels/publishers all have blocks of votes. They make deals with each other ‘you vote for mine, we’ll vote for yours’ type thing,” Rich claimed.
“It has ZERO to do with who made the best music, thus, Beyoncé with ‘Country album of the year.’ Nice, right? The same thing is true with the CMA’s, ACM’s, Billboard, etc…all work exactly the same. Last night, the Grammy’s outed themselves in a big way.”