Ben Winston

Trevor Noah sits down with Grammy Executive Producer Ben Winston and his friend Sizwe Dhlomo to reveal the challenges behind music's biggest night. Ben shares hilarious anecdotes about miscommunications that almost had Trevor backing out. They dive into Beyoncé's much-anticipated album win and face the complexities of hosting amidst natural disasters like the L.A. fires. The trio also discusses the emotional rollercoaster of live performances and the crucial balance between celebration and solemnity that producers must maintain.

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.

In this discussion, Rosamund Irwin, Media Editor at the Sunday Times, and Baroness Tina Stowell delve into the BBC crisis, addressing impartiality and institutional challenges. Phil Riley warns that BBC Radio risks becoming an 'orphan asset' due to funding issues. Then, Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of YouTube's Sidemen, argues the traditional licence fee is unsustainable for Gen Z. Meanwhile, Ben Winston reveals insights about his one-take Netflix documentary with Ed Sheeran, showcasing his innovative approach to large-scale productions.