Rockin’ the Red, White & Blue at the Grammys
When the Grammys rolled out the big guns on January 29, 2018, it was fewer flash‑bulbs and more political swagger that stole the show. Razor‑sharp rappers, glitter‑glam pop icons, and a U2 legend all had a moment of pure magic.
Kendrick Lamar: Flag‑Waving, Ground‑Shaking
- Backed by a soaring U.S. flag, Kendrick stepped onto the Madison Square Garden‑styled stage and launched into a full‑body rap that felt like a micro‑battle in the city.
- Surrounding him were dancers decked out in camouflage—because nothing screams “USA” louder than military‑style tightness.
- The track pivoted into a kick‑ass, gong‑fu inspired dance routine, where his crew executed a dramatic “bulled‑down” effect, giving fans the sensation of something epic crashing to the floor.
Bono: The Unexpected LV100 Join‑In
The music world felt a sudden ripple when Bono swooped in from behind Kendrick, ready to jam on the chorus of “XXX.” overlined with the phrase “America, God bless you if it’s good to you.” The U2 frontman’s participation felt like a bipartisan anthem that made both rapheads and rock lovers feel the same electric vibe.
Lady Gaga: The Quick Turnover
- Gaga flished the spotlight onto her biggest hits, “Joanne” and “Million Reasons,” with the same gusto as if she’d been rehearsing the whole night.
- She quietly leaned over the piano, murmuring a short internal “Time’s up.” This whispered pitch‑in was a nod to the growing women’s movement against sexual abuse. With her reputation for activism, the ballad of “Joanne” served as a subtle but mighty shout‑out.
In Summary
With a Gatsby‑style drama, old-school rock from U2, and pop’s home of emotional honesty, the opening act showed the Grammys how serious intent can coexist with showy theatrics. In the end, it wasn’t just about a performance—it was a call‑to‑action that made a lasting impression on everyone that tuned in.
