Trevor Noah chats with Ben Winston, the executive producer renowned for his work on the Grammys, and Christiana Mbakwe-Medina, a savvy contributor. They dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of the Grammys, including dramatic celebrity arrivals and jaw-dropping moments like Jay-Z's speech. Listeners get a humorous take on the logistical madness of live performances and the often quirky dynamics between artists and awards. The trio also reflects on the complex relationship between mainstream success and artistic integrity in the music industry.
The podcast delves into Trevor Noah's experience hosting the Grammys and the pressure and excitement that comes with it.
The episode highlights Jay-Z's speech at the Grammys, addressing the larger issue of artist recognition within the Grammy Awards.
Deep dives
The Excitement and Stress of Hosting the Grammys
The podcast episode discusses Trevor Noah's experience hosting the Grammys and the mix of excitement and stress that comes with it. He reflects on the pressure of not wanting to mess up in front of artists like Beyonce and the challenge of delivering a monologue in the audience rather than on a stage. Despite the stressful moments, he appreciates the chaotic and unpredictable nature of live TV and the beautiful moments that come with it.
Jay-Z's Controversial Speech and Taylor Swift's Moment
The episode highlights Jay-Z's speech at the Grammys, where he appeared to call out the institution and express his frustration with the voting process. Trevor and the podcast hosts discuss the impact of Jay-Z's words and the larger issue of artist recognition within the Grammy Awards. They also touch on Taylor Swift not acknowledging Celine Dion when she won an award, sparking a conversation about etiquette and cultural norms around greetings and respect.
Tracy Chapman's Emotional Standing Ovation
One of the standout moments of the Grammys was Tracy Chapman receiving a standing ovation after her performance. The podcast hosts express their admiration for Tracy Chapman's talent and the emotional impact of her receiving recognition after many years. The moment is described as powerful and resonant, highlighting the importance of honoring artists who may have been overlooked in the past.
Choosing which Awards to Televise
The episode addresses the challenge of deciding which awards to televise during the Grammys. Ben Winston, the producer, explains that only a limited number of categories can be featured in the show, and they try to strike a balance between various genres and appeal to different audiences. The decision to televise certain awards is based on a combination of factors such as the popularity of the genres, the performances, and the overall flow of the show.
Trevor, Ben Winston, and friends discuss the Grammys. From how they handled Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift’s late arrivals on live television, to Jay-Z’s speech, to a golf cart traveling the wrong way on the 110 freeway in the pouring rain to get an A-list artist to the stage on time, Trevor and Ben give us a fascinating peek behind the curtain of navigating music’s biggest night.