As we watched the 2018 Grammys on Sunday night, most of our thoughts were focused on who would win album of the year or who was going to perform live next on stage. However, there was a lot more being talked (or sung) about at the event.

The event started out with Kendrick Lamar who performed “XXX” and “DNA,” both of which were powerful statements that lead to a strong opening. Both of the raps focused on the racism and injustice against blacks in society and even included backup dancers in fatigues and ski masks. In between Lamar’s performances, comedian Dave Chappelle came out and said,“I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America,” a very powerful line that went with Lamar’s message. If anyone in the audience thought that Lamar’s performance was too strong or explicit, they aren’t really getting the point as to why it needed to be performed.

Another important statement that was made at the event was the #MeToo movement. This was something many celebrities supported at the event by wearing white roses. There was  also a very emotional performance from Kesha who sang her new single, “Praying.” For the past few months she has been in a legal dispute with her producer over the claims that he had raped and abused her. Not only is this song her first release of new music in four years, but she was able to stand up for #MeToo along with Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, Julia Michaels and Bebe Rexha and the Resistance Revival Chorus.

Speaking of the artist Camila Cabello, she was also able to speak up for Dreamers. She mentions how “…this country was built by dreamers, for dreamers, chasing the American dream.” Despite the attempt to take away DACA from Dreamers and sending them back to where ever they were born, she isn’t afraid to speak up for them and say that, like them, she’s only where she is today because of the dreams her parents carried with them to America.

While there were plenty of other powerful and strong statements including a tribute to the Las Vegas shooting, U2’s pro-immigration performance, and Janelle Monae’s statement about the Time’s Up movement, I think I’ve gotten my point across. Even though an event like this is suppose to be about the music, the artists, and the songs, I have no qualms against using this time to talk about political and social problems.

If you can get the attention of people who wouldn’t be watching the news, you might as well get their attention if they’re watching the Grammys. It’s a great way for celebrities to use their fame for good. Entertainment isn’t always the place for powerful politics, but it sure was there. Spreading awareness about problems such as racism, gender inequality, sexual misconduct, injustice towards immigrants, and mass shootings needs to be done, even at the Grammys.