The 2018 award season is in full swing, and so is the “Time’s Up” campaign. The Grammys was the third award show of the season where nominees and presenters alike joined together for the monumental campaign.
The Golden Globes was all about wearing black. The SAG Awards had a lineup of female only presentators, and for the first time a female host, Kristen Bell. The Grammys was white roses.
The 60th Grammy Awards were held at Madison Square Garden, in New York City for the first time in 15 years. Nominees and celebs broke out their custom made dresses and suits, and many paired them with a white rose. Some attendees continued to represent the message by wearing black, but other than that, I would say that this year, both on the carpet and on stage, from Cardi B to P!nk.
No matter where you looked someone was discussing the “Time’s Up” campaign, both on the carpet and during the award show. Many celebrities used the Grammys to shine a light on the issue of sexual harassment and assault. Women shared their stories, men showed their support, and most importantly everyone listened.
“Time’s Up” is a campaign that was created at the end of last year, after many women and men in Hollywood were coming forward and sharing their stories of sexaull assault, harassment, and rape. Tarana Burke started the powerful social media movement “Me Too,” with the help of actress Alyssa Milano. On October 15, 2017 Milano tweeted, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.
The campaign has raised $20 million for the “Time’s Up” Legal Defense Fund, which aims to provides subsidized legal services for individuals subjected to workplace sexual harassment and abuse.
Kesha’s performance was the buzz of the night, as everyone waited in anticipation for the Grammys edition of her hit song “Praying.” Janelle Monáe gave a passionate and thought provoking speech addressing the #MeToo movement and “Time’s Up” campaign.
“So let’s work together, women and men, as an united music industry committed to created more safe work environments, equal pay, access for all women.”
-Janelle Monáe
Her inspirational statement lead into an even more moving and powerful performance. The stage was full of amazing female singers from Cyndi Lauper to Camila Cabello all dressed in white. They began singing the song “Praying,” Kesha then joined them on stage. Looking like an angel in white she gave her performance everything she had. It brought tears to the eyes of many celebrities in attendance and to viewers watching at home.
Yet, that was really the only time throughout the award show that “Time’s Up” was brought up. It led many to question if they were just hyping up the topic through Kesha’s performance or if the Grammys and the Recording Academy are really there to support the campaign.
In addition, the Recording Academy president, Neil Portnow, is now facing backlash for a rude comment he made during the 60th annual award show. He said that women need to “step up.” This came after the award show had very few female winners and nominees.
When nominations came out a few months ago, Lorde was the only female artist up for Record of the Year, competing against Bruno Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Jay-Z. Many were also upset that Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” won best Pop Vocal Song against four female artists. Of the eight awards broadcasted on CBS, only one was won by a female, Best New Artist to Alessia Cara.
It is safe to say there still are steps that need to be taken to improve the entertainment industry. The Recording Academy should look into who they nominate and “step up.” “Time’s Up” has just begun and still has a long way to go. We all must work together to make all industries better for women.