Bruno Mars and #TimesUp take center stage at politically-charged Grammys

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‍In its 60th edition, the politically-charged Grammy's ceremony is set to become historical – from the "Time's Up" movement on the red carpet, to Kesha's powerful "Praying" for women's equality, and Hillary Clinton's reading of an excerpt from the Donald Trump expose "Fire & Fury."

Since its foundation in 1959, the Grammys have had an uneven history with hip-hop. However, as cultural trends shift, the majority of contenders for the top prize this year were hip-hop artists.

Mars wins big, Jay-Z out

After 15 years in Los Angeles, the Grammy Awards returned to the Madison Square Garden in New York and James Corden was on board to host.

Kendrick Lamar opens the 60th Grammy Awards. /AFP Photo

The show opened with a fierce stunt by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who performed a medley of "XXX," "DNA" and "King's Dead," featuring a giant US flag and camouflage-clad dancers who collapsed to the ground at the sound of gunshots as Lamar rapped.

The Los Angeles rapper took a strong lead with five awards, including best rap album, music video, rap song, rap performance and rap/sung performance, defeating fellow rapper Jay-Z and leaving him empty-handed despite going into the show with a leading eight nominations.

But it was Bruno Mars who stole the night at the end. The Hawaii-born singer swept all of the six nominated categories and took home the heavyweights like record of the year (24K Magic), album of the year (24K Magic), and song of the year (That's What I Like). Before the big night, he had already won three R&B awards, namely best song, album and performance.

"Unreal!! I love you all!!!" Mars wrote on Instagram, with a photo of him lifting up the trophy.

Instagram Photo

Alessia Cara, who went from making YouTube videos in her bedroom to becoming a socially conscious pop singer, won the closely watched award of Best New Artist.

The 21-year-old from suburban Toronto told the music industry's gala: "I've been pretend-winning Grammys since I was a kid in my shower."

"I just wanted to encourage everyone to support real music and real artists because everyone deserves the same shot," Cara added.

CGTN Photo

White roses and 'Time's Up'

Following the black-draped Golden Globes, the Time's Up and #MeToo movement made their way from Hollywood to the music industry.

A-list stars, including Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson, walked the red carpet wearing white roses in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse. Country music legend Reba McEntire said that the white rose amounted to a message to "treat people kindly."

From left to right: Lady Gaga, Rita Ora and Pink sport white roses to show solidarity with victims of sexual abuse. /AP Photos

Nominees The Secret Sisters won for largest white roses, noting it’s time for the music industry to step up and better acknowledge sexual misconduct.

There are also the mavericks. Songwriter Diane Warren, a 15-time Grammy nominee, wore black and white and went her own way on symbols. She wore white gloves with "Girl" on one hand and "Power" on the other, explaining: "I didn't want to wear the rose. I'm a rebel."

Diane Warren. /AFP Photo

The sentiment was pushed to a climax by pop singer Kesha. She delivered a powerful statement on behalf of women's equality with "Praying," her own account of abuse, with backup from a chorus of stars all dressed in white.

"Praying" is an autobiographical song clearly directed at Dr. Luke, the producer whom Kesha has accused of raping and psychologically tormenting her.

Even before the rise of the #MeToo movement in response to revelations about Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, Kesha rattled the industry by demanding the end of her contract to work with Dr. Luke, who has denied the assault charges.

Kesha performed with fellow stars including Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello and Andra Day, who offered symbolic and literal support. The singers brought the crowd at Madison Square Garden to its feet and at times to tears.

Screenshot of Kesha's post on Twitter

"'After everything you've done I can thank you for how strong I have become,' thank you to the @RecordingAcad, the women on stage with me tonight, and everyone who has supported me through this whole journey," she wrote on Twitter after the show.

The men were not left out. Multiple nominees Khalid, Sam Smith, Sting, host James Corden and Ne-Yo were among the many men who sported roses on their lapels. And the men turned up in bright colors: Mustard yellow, pink, maroon and deep red stood out from the basic black.

Hillary Clinton and 'Fire & Fury'

Another highlight of the show was Hillary Clinton. The one-time Grammy winner made a surprise appearance at the show in a role she no doubt relished.

In a designed show by host James Corden, Clinton followed John Legend, Cher, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B and DJ Khaled to join the auditioning for the spoken word recording of Michael Wolff's best-seller on President Donald Trump's administration, "Fire and Fury."

The final "auditioner" lowered the book from in front of her face to reveal it was Clinton. Corden said she got the job and was a sure winner.

Hillary Clinton appears on screen reading an excerpt from the book "Fire and Fury" during a skit at the Grammys. /AP Photo

"You think so?" Trump's 2016 election opponent said. "The Grammy's in the bag?"

Clinton is already a Grammy winner from 1997, for reading her book, "It Takes a Village."

Not everyone was a fan of the moment. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Halley tweeted that the moment ruined the Grammy-watching experience for her.

"I have always loved the Grammys but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it," she tweeted. "Don't ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it."

(With input from AP, AFP)

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