Grammys 2019: Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, J. Lo Join Alicia Keys to Open Show

Jada Pinkett Smith also joined the stage for the opening monologue

Tonight at the 2019 Grammy Awards, Alicia Keys opened the ceremony as the night’s host and brought out some special guests for the opening monologue: Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Jada Pinkett Smith, each of whom took the microphone to share what music means to them.

“From the Motown records I wore out on the south side to the ‘Who Run the World’ songs that have fueled me for this past decade, music has always helped me tell my story,” Obama said. “Music helps us share ourselves: our dignities, our sorrows, our hopes, our joys... Music shows us that all of it matters. Every story within every voice, every note within every song.”

The night is slated to feature performances from Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.

Follow all of Pitchfork’s coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards.

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