When Grammy host Trevor Noah introduced the next appearance as one that many doubted would ever happen – and then the camera cut to Harvey Mason Jr., you had every right to ask Harvey who?
Harvey Mason Jr. is the head of the Recording Academy, which runs the Grammys, and as he started to speak it felt like just another of the mandatory speeches by serious people in charge of the fun stuff.
But then Mason mentioned the time he took charge of the Recording Academy and faced a small controversy when the Weeknd, a Grammy-winning superstar, announced he was boycotting the Grammys because of a lack of transparency in how the awards were decided.
“I heard him,” Mason said. “I felt his conviction.”
And he added, he believes the Grammys are back on track now, and then did something that suggests he’s right.
“I’m so honored to leave you with a sentence that I wasn’t sure would be ever said on the Grammy stage again,” Mason said. “Join me in welcoming back none other than the Grammy-winning superstar, the Weeknd.”
After a rousing performance of “Cry For Me” by the Weeknd, Noah returned to joke about the internet memes that claim he and the Weeknd are the same person.
“That’s right, we’re back and we’re in the same room,” Noah said. “Take that, the internet, we’re not the same person.”
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez appeared next to present the Grammy for best Latin pop album, which went to Shakira for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” her first new album in seven years.
“I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country,” Shakira said in her acceptance. “You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight for you.
“And to all of those women who work very really hard every day to provide for your families, you are the true she-wolves,” she finished.