U2’s Bono and the Edge Open the Grammys With Kendrick Lamar
Members of U2 joined Kendrick Lamar for a Grammy-opening performance of Lamar's "XXX." Bono and the Edge emerged midway through the song, despite earlier reports via TMZ that their performance would be taped.
Lamar had already claimed two Grammys during the pre-show awards announcements, including best rap song and best rap performance – both for the song "Humble." U2 have previously claimed 22 Grammys during their own highly decorated career. Comedian Dave Chappelle helped with the opening segment, as well.
U2 were featured on the original studio recording of "XXX," from 2017's DAMN. Lamar also guests on U2’s “Get Out of Your Own Way” from Songs of Experience, which just arrived in December. Bono, the Edge and the rest of U2 subsequently performed the latter song as part of segment aboard a barge on the Hudson River, within sight of the Statue of Liberty.
Tonight's broadcast was also set to feature a performance by Elton John, who's appearing with Miley Cyrus just days after announcing his retirement from the road.
U2 were in the news earlier this month with the release of a new video for "Get Out of Your Own Way," also from Songs of Experience. The animated clip showed the Ku Klux Klan infiltrating into several aspects of American society, perhaps more notably marching at the White House as President Donald Trump watches from the Oval Office.