‘To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words'

Time's Up.

janelle monae
(Image credit: Rex)

Time's Up.

Last night saw the 2018 Grammy awards, this year serving as a platform for political protest, with high profile figures using the televised ceremony and red carpet appearances to call out sexual harassment and abuse.

The event was empowering from start to finish, from the powerful speeches and performances at the ceremony to A-list stars donning white roses on the red carpet to symbolise the Time's Up movement.

But the highlight of the night was undoubtedly Kesha's emotional performance of 'Praying', the song she wrote about her legal battle with ex producer Dr Luke after accusing him of sexual assault.

And she wasn't alone, joined on stage by Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Andra Day, Julia Michaels and Bebe Rexha and the Resistance Revival Chorus.

Ke$ha performing 'Praying' with Cyndi Lauper, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels and Andra Day. Credit: Rex

Introducing Kesha's performance was fellow singer Janelle Monae, who took her moment on stage to deliver a very important message.

‘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,’ the 32-year-old announced to the crowd. ’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 try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time's up.’

She continued: ‘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 in 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 shake culture, we also have the power to undo the culture that does not serve us well.’

Concluding her speech, she announced: ’So let's work together, women and men, as a united music industry, committed to creating more safe work environments, equal pay and access for all women.'

If you’ll excuse us, we’re off to start a petition for Janelle Monae to hold the next TED talk.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.