One of the first things many people do when they get up in the morning is turn on some music. Music can set the tone for someone’s day, or change their mood in the matter of seconds.

The 2018 Grammy Awards took place on Sunday, January 28th. Viewers saw some of the world’s most popular artists get together to celebrate one of the biggest nights in the music industry. Celebrities ranging from rap veteran Jay-Z to the up and coming Cardi B were all nominated for awards. Artists of all genres received recognition for their success over the course of the past year.

Despite the night being about music and the artists that produce it, many political ideas made their way through the doors of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Singer Joy Villa wore a pro-life dress that she made herself, showing a fetus in the womb.

“If [Villa] feels that is how she needs to express her opinion, then she should go for it,” student Anna Abashidze, sophomore, said.

However, many people took a very different approach to the incorporation of politics. Hillary Clinton appeared on the program while reading an excerpt from the controversial book about Donald Trump, Fire and Fury. After Kendrick Lamar’s performance of “DNA”, comedic musician Chapelle complimented his bravery for being an honest black man in America. Camila Cabello also added to the fire when she reminded viewers of the immigration crisis, noting that she was once a young immigrant herself.

“I think celebrities and people that have that platform have the power to influence people. But at the same time, on certain issues, celebrities aren’t the average people and they don’t understand the average struggle of the middle class American,” sophomore Lily Maxwell said.

But these statements distracted many people from the reason they were all watching: music. Music itself often speaks volumes about the artist’s political ideas.

Celebrities have been very vocal about their political opinions, but some students at State High feel indifferent about the relationship between pop culture and politics.

“It takes away from the awards and what the event is about. It also causes people to take to social media about what the celebrity says, but it should really be about the music and who won the award,” sophomore Katie Cepullio said.

As students become more aware of the world they live in, they can develop opinions of their own. Political issues have been a very popular topic of conversation over the past two years, and people have voiced their thoughts on everything.

“In pop culture, people have their opinions just like everywhere else,” math teacher Shelly Soltis said. “So, I guess it’s their prerogative to speak what they want.”

There is no doubt that this will not be the last award show that politics are mentioned. It is only February, and so many more controversial statements are yet to be made.