Michelle Obama surprised this years Grammys audience with her tantalising speech about music and women’s empowerment.
Mrs. Obama looking glamourous in a sparkling gunmetal pantsuit on stage alongside superstars Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, host Alicia Keys and actress Jada Pinkett-Smith said, “Music shows us that all of it matters — every story within every voice, every note within every song,”
“Is that right, ladies?” she said to resounding applause.
The Recording Academy behind the awards gala that took on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles has faced a barrage of criticism for not embracing diversity within its ranks, after nearly muting women nominees at the show last year.
This year, five of the eight nominees for Album of the Year are women: rapper Cardi B, folk-rock singer Brandi Carlile, pop futurist Janelle Monae, R&B prodigy H.E.R. and country star Kacey Musgraves.
At the start of the segment, Lady Gaga – a triple winner so far on the night – said: “They told me I was weird… And music told me not to listen to them.”
Lopez, who has parlayed her successful music career into acting – said that music “kept me moving from the block to the big stages and even bigger screens.”
Pinkett-Smith added: “Every voice we hear deserves to be honoured and respected.”
And Obama added: “Whether we like country or rap or rock, music helps us share ourselves, our dignity and sorrows, our hopes and joys. It allows us to hear one another, to invite each other in.”
A big part of friendship is showing up for your girls—that’s why I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs. She is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know—there’s no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music! pic.twitter.com/8cMhTmsClA
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 11, 2019
Obama quickly started trending on Twitter.
The moment came at the start of a show showcasing the female talent in the music business, one year after women were largely snubbed in the major categories.
Neil Portnow, the head of the Recording Academy, told women last year to “step up” if they wanted to do better on Grammys night. The brazen comment drew outrage and Portnow said he would step down when his contract expires this summer.
Congratulations To Neil Portnow On Everything That You've Accomplished In Leading The Academy #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/mGfvEighY2
— Jared Coalmon (@jared_coalmon93) February 11, 2019
On Sunday, the message was unmistakable — one of diversity.
“Thank you so much, ladies, for your light, your message of love, your sisterhood,” said Keys, the first woman to helm the show in 14 years.
“Give it up for these magnificent goddesses!” said Keys.