Trevor Noah closes out final Grammys hosting stint with Trump roast

Trevor Noah made his final appearance as host of the 2026 Grammy Awards, proving why he’s been the ideal emcee for six consecutive years. On February 1, the South African comedian closed out his tenure with a sharp, hilarious monologue that didn’t shy away from political commentary, roasting both Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump in front of the packed Crypto.com Arena crowd.

Noah’s Unexpected Trump Roast Steals the Night

Trevor Noah opened the 2026 Grammys with his signature blend of genuine music enthusiasm and comedic edge. After welcoming nominees and working the crowd with friendly banter, he delivered an unforgettable moment that had the entire audience talking. When announcing that Nicki Minaj was not in attendance, Noah quipped that she was still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues.

What made the joke land even harder was Noah’s impression of Trump himself. The comedian launched into a riff referencing Cardi B‘s viral song WAP, saying in Trump’s voice, “Actually Nicki, I have the biggest ass. Everybody’s saying it. I know they say it’s you, but it’s me.” The crowd erupted in laughter and applause. Minaj‘s recent highly visible support of Trump and the MAGA movement has driven considerable debate among her fanbase. Noah’s boldness showed he wasn’t holding back for his final hosting gig.

Six Years Building the Perfect Grammy Legacy

Noah first took the helm in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when only a small assortment of nominees attended. He has returned every single year since, becoming the show’s most consistent and beloved host. Show producer Ben Winston revealed that Noah actually intended to step down after the previous year, but producers were unable to find a suitable replacement.

Winston revealed he sent Noah an impassioned video plea in December, literally on his knees, asking him to return one final time. Noah eventually agreed, though Winston joked it was the longest he ever waited for a text back in his life. Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. praised Noah’s tenure, saying he has been instrumental to the show’s recent growth and success.

The Full Monologue: Comedy Across the Board

Monologue Moment	Target or Joke
Opening bit	American news culture and drinking game references
Category jokes	Grammy categories from hip-hop to audiobooks and voicemails
Pharrell humor	Asked for Louis Vuitton discount codes from the music icon
Ticketmaster activism	Praised Olivia Dean for calling out ticket price exploitation

Noah‘s monologue extended beyond Nicki and Trump. He joked about Korean drinking games inspired by Bruno Mars and Rosé’s opening performance of APT. He also praised Olivia Dean for standing up to Ticketmaster and ticket resellers, adding a passionate plea that fans must be able to afford live music without executives committing affairs on the Jumbotron.

“He’s been so instrumental in the success of the recent growth of our show. He has set the tone for who we are and what we do on this night. So smart, so thoughtful, so funny. And he’s just a music guy.”

— Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy President

The Big Winners and Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Night

Kendrick Lamar dominated the evening with nine nominations, winning multiple awards including Record of the Year for the track “Luther” with SZA. Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to win Album of the Year in the all-Spanish category with his album. Billie Eilish captured Song of the Year with “Wildflower.”

The ceremony also featured surprise moments, including legendary artist Cher accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award in an unexpected appearance. Multiple performers used their moments to speak out on social justice issues, including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, SZA, and Olivia Dean, who all addressed ICE enforcement concerns during the broadcast.

What’s Next for Music’s Biggest Night After Noah’s Exit?

The 2026 Grammy Awards marks the end of an era at music’s biggest night. Noah’s departure leaves a significant void in the hosting chair, though no replacement has been announced yet. The Recording Academy will need to find someone who can match his blend of musical knowledge, comedic timing, political awareness, and genuine appreciation for artists.

Future Grammy hosts will have enormous shoes to fill. Noah set a high bar by respecting the music while never taking himself too seriously. His willingness to tackle current events, from tariffs to Trump, while celebrating artistry created a unique energy. Whether the next host can replicate this balance remains one of the biggest questions facing the 2027 Grammy Awards.

Sources

• Rolling Stone – Trevor Noah’s monologue and six-year hosting legacy at the Grammy Awards
• Variety – Complete coverage of Noah’s roast of Nicki Minaj and Trump during the live broadcast
• Recording Academy – Official press release confirming Noah’s final hosting appearance