Trevor Noah says Grammys will address current issues

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Grammy Awards often have a festive vibe to celebrate the best in music, but host Trevor Noah says the ceremony could touch on some serious issues such as the current crisis in Ukraine.

“I think the ceremony will find the right place and the right space to do something,” said the Emmy laureate who will be emcee on April 3 in Las Vegas. Noah believes that some musicians will express their thoughts on Ukraine and other important issues that “have weight in their hearts”.

“It's one of those interesting life balances we'll try to achieve, which is to recognize what is happening in the world while allowing ourselves the grace to celebrate some of the moments that are also happening,” said the comedian and host of “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” on Comedy Central.

Noah said that his program has focused quite a lot on Ukraine and hopes to achieve an entertaining night at the Grammys, a place where current topics can be addressed.

“I think it's also important for us to be able to take a break from everything,” he said. “That is the biggest dilemma we face. Is it important to highlight complicated world issues? Definitely. It's also important to celebrate the things that are happening in the world.”

Noah returns for his second year as a host at the Grammys, which will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+. The ceremony was postponed and shifted from Los Angeles to Las Vegas due to the increase in cases of COVID-19 and the omicron variant in January, when organizers argued that there were “too many risks” to make the show full of stars.

Last year the Grammys had a musical festival vibe, part of the ceremony being held outdoors in an intimate face-to-face setting with a mix of pre-recorded performances. For the next ceremony Noah anticipates a hybrid model, which includes the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“I think the live element does give it energy, but then you sacrifice a little intimacy,” said Noah, who took a cautious approach to hosting “The Daily Show” from his apartment in New York during the pandemic last year, but couldn't resist the offer to host the Grammys for the first time in person.

“It's nice to have fans supporting their favorite artist,” he said. “It's nice to watch the performances because one of the biggest reasons why the Grammys are my favorite award is that it's a live music festival.”

As for Las Vegas, Noah said the city is “the perfect place to have a celebration.” Expect an entertaining ceremony with several artists ready to hit the stage, including Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow and Brandi Carlile.

The talented Jon Batiste is the top nominee and competes in 11 categories across a variety of genres including R&B, jazz/American roots, classical music and music video. Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. are tied for the second most nominated with eight each.

“I think it will be a celebration for an industry that is coming back to life,” Noah said. “I think many of the artists will enjoy Las Vegas. Nobody lives there. There is an element of this (show) that is like a musical camp. I think it will be a different energy and I'm excited to be a part of it.”