Photography by Christopher Polk/Getty

Grammy Awards 2018: 18 of the Best Looks on The Red Carpet

Date January 28, 2018

We can do better. That was the overwhelming message from performers on the red carpet at the 2018 Grammys. “As a man I think it’s important to listen and to be ready to listen and to do our part,” said Nick Jonas. “We can raise awareness on an incredibly important issue that is affecting so many people’s lives and if we can do our part tonight it’s a good thing.”

Coming so soon after the Golden Globes, and the SAGs, it was predictable the Grammys would do something to show respect for the #TimesUp movement, and the spate of sexual misconduct allegations flowing through the entertainment industry. The decision to carry simple white roses on the red carpet was fitting. Musicians don’t want to be told what to wear, nor how to look, their look is their music, so a rose seemed ideal.

“I looked up what the white rose meant and it represents, hope, peace and sympathy and resistance,” said Kelly Clarkson. “I thought those were really lovely things for every human to encompass and to also share with others.”

But let’s be honest, music awards shows don’t usually bring out the best fashion. Generally the best dressed are actresses that have crossed over into music (case in point Hailee Steinfeld in a white strapless dress by Alexandre Vauthier, especially stunning with her bold, edgy stripes of blue eye shadow and crazy purple boots), but this particular Grammys gave artists ample opportunity to speak their truths and go rogue. Thank goodness! Because normally these shows are painful to watch.

A highlight to the red carpet had to be diminutive Cardi B, who looked like a Disney Princess in a white off-the-shoulder ball gown from Ashi Studio. Her words of wisdom for young women aspiring to be in the music industry? “Do whatever you have to do,” she said. “People are going to tell you how to do it; No—do it your way. Figure it out. I figured it out and one way or another I did it.”

When asked what wearing a white rose meant to him, Sam Smith said, “I hope we get better. I just hope that we keep striving forward for equality for absolutely everyone in every situation. The world needs it now.”

One of the most anticipated arrivals was certainly singer Kesha. She was embroiled in a high profile, and bitter legal battle to end her working relationship with producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused, in 2014, of abusing her for a decade. Kesha was scheduled to perform her song “Praying,” and she expressed nerves about doing the song just days before the show.

when i wrote praying, with ben abraham and ryan lewis, i just felt as if i had gotten a huge weight off of my shoulders. it felt like an emotional raw victory for myself, one step closer to healing. I never could have known what would’ve happened these past few years. pic.twitter.com/7qibyvdzNm

— kesha (@KeshaRose) January 27, 2018

Kesha wore a vintage Nudie Cohn blue suit with white roses embroidered on the lapels (her middle name is also Rose). Kesha’s stylist Samantha Burkhart said, “After going through what she’s gone through in the last couple of years, her place of empowerment as a woman is wearing a suit.”

A bittersweet victory for sure.