Janelle Monáe appeared at the 60th Grammy Awards to do two very important things: make an incredible Time's Up inspired speech -- a big theme throughout the night -- and introduce Kesha's tear-jerking star-studded performance.
The spotlight was already on Time's Up movement at the Grammys this year with support from all of the stars who attended and wore a white rose on their dress or suit jacket, or even just held a white rose. Some stars had even incorporated it into their performances like Lady Gaga and Elton John.
Before introducing Kesha, Janelle delivered an empowering speech, highlighting the importance of equality and unity in the music industry with a call to action to come together and make a difference. Read her full speech below:
"Tonight, I am proud to stand in solidarity as not just an artist, but a young woman with my fellow sisters in this room, who make up the music industry. Artists, writers, assistants, publicists, CEOs, producers, engineers, and women from all sectors of the business. We are also daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, and human beings. We come in peace, but we mean business. And to those who would dare to try and silence us, we offer you two words. Time's up. We say Time's Up for pay inequality. Time's up for discrimination. Time's up for harassment of any kind. And Time's Up for the abuse of power. Because, you see, it's not just going on Hollywood, it's not just going on in Washington, it's right here in our industry as well. And just as we have the power to shape culture, we also have the power to undo the culture that does not serve us well. So, let's work together, women and men, as a united music industry committed to creating more safe work environment, equal pay, and access for all women."
Then, she introduced Kesha, who performed her emotional song "Praying," alongside Bebe Rexha, Julia Michaels, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, and Cyndi Lauper. Janelle said:
"And as artists so often do, our next performer embodies the great tradition of delivering important social messages through their music. This fearless two-time Grammy nominee inspired so many of us, including myself, when she spoke her truth on her album Rainbow, which was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album tonight."
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