Go ahead and add award show host to the list of career accomplishments of singer-songwriter Jhene Aiko and actress Niecy Nash.
On Tuesday (Mar. 2), Aiko was announced as the host of the official Grammy Awards’ pre-show, Grammy Premiere Ceremony, set live stream on Sunday, March 14. Not only will this be the Los Angeles bred artist’s first major gig as a host, but she’ll also be the first host to also be nominated for Album of the Year on the same night.
Aiko’s third studio Chilombo album is also nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album, while her John Legend-assisted single “Lightning & Thunder” is one of fives songs up for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
But Women’s History Month doesn’t end there.
Claws star Niecy Nash—who revealed her marriage to musician and long-time friend, Jessica Betts last year—will serve as the host of this year’s 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, set to air virtually on Hulu and YouTube on Thursday, April 8.
“I was not suppressing my sexuality my whole life. I love who I love,” she told People after her surprise announcement. “At one point in my life, I married twice and I love those people. And today I love this person. I’ve done everything I wanted to do on my own terms and my own way.”
This isn’t Nash’s first rodeo as a host. Nash stepped in as guest host of Season 5 of FOX’s hit show, The Masked Singer after the current host, Nick Cannon, was diagnosed with COVID-19. It’s also been revealed that Nash may serve as the host of an upcoming daytime talk show which will air on CBS if given the green light.
The Grammy Awards’ Premiere Ceremony kicks off at 12 pm PT on Sunday, March 14 on Grammy.com while the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards’ live telecast—hosted by comedian and Daily Show‘s Trevor Noah—starts at 8 pm ET on CBS.
As for the Nash-hosted GLAAD Awards—which “recognizes and honors media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ+ community and the issues that affect their lives”—you can tune into the stream on YouTube at 8 pm ET and then at 10 pm ET on Hulu.
Congratulations to both ladies!
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
