The most politically charged moments from 2018 Grammys

Along with U2's Bono and The Edge, Kendrick Lamar opened the Grammys with a charged political performance. It was a set that echoed the pain of African-Americans across the country, caused by the spurt in police killings of black men. In the backdrop of an American flag, Lamar sang, "ain't no black power when your baby killed by a coward”. In the midst came a planned interruption by comedian Dave Chappelle: "I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man be honest in America is being an honest black man in America."

Another highlight was U2 performing in a barge in front of the Statue of Liberty, shouting “Blessed are the shithole countries, for they gave us the American Dream”, a clear reference to Donald Trump and his recent statements that African countries were "shithole" nations.

In a later performance, former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton read from Michael Wolff's controversial book Fire and Fury. A pre-taped parody sketch saw Grammy Awards host James Corden audition celebrities, including John Legend, Cher, Cardi B and Snoop Dogg. They read excerpts from the deeply critical book about President Donald Trumps first year in office, ostensibly as contenders for a spoken word Grammy prize.

(Inputs from Reuters)