Trevor Noah.Photo:Michael Schwartz/CBS Broadcasting, Inc
Michael Schwartz/CBS Broadcasting, Inc
Is anyone more ready for the 2024Grammy AwardsthanTrevor Noah?
The South African comedian, 39, is gearing up to host music’s biggest night for the fourth year in a row — and this time, he’s also nominated in the best comedy album category for his recent special,I Wish You Would.
This year’s Grammys will be held on Feb. 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and feature performances from artists includingSZA,Joni Mitchell,Billie Eilsh,Billy Joel,Dua Lipa,Luke Combs,Burna Boy,Olivia Rodrigo,Travis ScottandU2.
Check out PEOPLE’s full Grammys coverage to get the latest news on music’s biggest night.
Ahead of the 2024 Grammy Awards, Noah caught up with PEOPLE about his upcoming fourth time hosting, navigating the space followingJo Koy’s Golden Globes controversyand whether or not he’ll return to host again if he doesn’t win a gramophone of his own this year.
Trevor Noah attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
This year marks your fourth time hosting the Grammy Awards. As someone who didn’t come from the music world beforehand, what have you learned with each year that you’ve hosted?
In a weird way, I’ve come to understand, it’s almost like I’m at a huge party, and I’m trying to work while I’m at the party. And then I’ve also learned to have a good time. It’s one of the best concerts in my opinion. I don’t think there are many shows that can rival what the Grammys puts on in terms of a collection of artists. Where else are you going to get to watch Dua Lipa, Burna Boy, Billie Eilish, you name it, on the same stage? That’s something I don’t take for granted and really enjoy.
Do you feel any nerves about this year after seeing Jo Koy’s experience at the Golden Globes?
You know what? My nerves are the same every single year. I don’t need to see anything to have nerves. I’ve never approached either an award show or a standup show without nerves. I always care about what happens. I don’t take anything for granted, and I’m never sure that or how a joke will land. You just prepare. You hope for the best. Telling a joke is like jumping out of an airplane with a parachute, you have an idea of where you would like to land, but when you actually get close to the ground, you might be a little bit off from where you intended to be. So, I just work my ass off, try and think of the funniest things to say and ways to say them. The rest I leave to God.
In addition to hosting, you are nominated this year for best comedy album for your special,I Wish You Would. How does it feel to receive that honor, especially for this special?
You’ve been nominated for that same award once before in 2020, which was shortly before you started hosting the show. So, if you don’t take this award home with you, will you consider returning to the show as a host next year? Or has this all been an elaborate campaign to win yourself a Grammy?
[Laughs] It’s all been a long con. That’s what it’s been. No, no. I wish it was. I never dreamed nor hoped that I would be nominated for a Grammy. It’s one of those beautiful accidents in life that you get to be, I guess, seated anywhere on the same stage as the performers who write the music to our lives. I’m really, really lucky to be in that company. But yeah, if I was asked to host, I think I would say yes — but let me give you that answer after I host this time. As my mom always says, just chew the food that’s in your mouth, and you can focus on the next bites.
Trevor Noah.Michael Schwartz/CBS via Getty
Michael Schwartz/CBS via Getty
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s show? Are there any performers you’re most excited to see or awards you hope will go to certain people?
source: people.com
