It’s safe to say the 60th Annual Grammy Awards did not disappoint.
With showstopping performances by Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar, one, in particular, stood out among the rest. A highly anticipated performance by Kesha Rose was expected to be a highlight of Sunday night’s show but instead served more as an anthem to the current state of pop culture.
American recording artist Janelle Monae arrived on stage at around 9:30 p.m. wearing a floral suit and poker face. As she introduced Kesha’s performance, Monae began to talk about the Time’s Up movement, saying, “To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time’s up. We say time’s up for pay inequality, discrimination or harassment of any kind, and the abuse of power.”
After a roar of applause, Monae warned the crowd, “We come in peace, but we mean business.”
Moments later, Kesha took the stage but not alone. Surrounding her included female powerhouse artists, Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels, Bebe Rexha and Andra Day all wearing white head to toe. Kesha powered through a soft version of her first single in four years, “Praying,” ending the performance in tears and a group hug. The show acknowledged the moment in music history, allowing the women to have a moment, with the host James Corden continuing on saying, “Music can often resonate more than words ever could.”
Kesha has been one of the prime supporters of the widely known #MeToo movement which aims to put an end to sexual abuse, in Hollywood and beyond. Kesha has been locked in battle with her former producer, Dr. Luke, for years, putting her career at a pause and keeping her from writing and producing her own music. Kesha claims Dr. Luke allegedly abused her sexually and verbally. He denied all claims as a New York judge denied Kesha a court injection that would have otherwise let her record music away from her label. Her label, Kemosabe let go Dr. Luke, allowing Kesha to finally record and release her album, Rainbow.
With “Praying” being the comeback song of year, it brings into question what is next for pop culture. With #MeToo and #TimesUp, sexual assault awareness has become the topic of conversation across America. But, will this continue to be something that people understand as wrong? Or will this continue until another scandal comes into play? With hopes that the movements become a lifestyle for all, Kesha will continue to move onward from her battle.
Proud of you, sis. Time is up. And I know you’re just getting started.