Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel had plenty to say about the 2024 Grammy Awards, and his biggest targets of the night were Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori. During his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the comedian mocked West’s red carpet appearance, calling him a “rodent” and ridiculing Censori’s nearly nude outfit. Kimmel also jokingly suggested that Will Smith, making his first major awards show appearance since his infamous Oscars slap, could have redeemed himself by slapping West instead.
Kimmel’s takedown of the controversial couple came as he reflected on how times have changed, pointing out that a minor wardrobe malfunction from Janet Jackson once shocked the nation, while Censori’s see-through dress barely made headlines in comparison. He also dismissed rumors that West had been kicked out of the Grammys after his red carpet stunt, noting that the rapper left before the ceremony even began.
With a mix of biting humor and cultural commentary, Kimmel’s monologue sparked conversation online, with many viewers either cheering his critique or calling him out for stirring more celebrity drama. Here’s a breakdown of his biggest moments.
Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Kanye West’s Red Carpet Appearance
Kimmel wasted no time taking aim at Kanye West, calling him a “rodent” who “came out of his hole” for a brief Grammys red carpet appearance. He pointed out that West didn’t stay for the ceremony, only showing up to take photos with his wife, Bianca Censori, who made headlines for wearing an outfit that left almost nothing to the imagination.
“Another rodent came out of his hole to hit the red carpet at the Grammys last night — none other than Kanye West, who showed up to take photos,” Kimmel said. “He showed up for the red carpet only with his wife, who caused quite a stir. She was wearing … nothing.”
Kimmel’s remarks highlighted the growing absurdity of celebrity red carpet moments, where over-the-top fashion choices or publicity stunts often overshadow the actual event. While some viewers found Kimmel’s takedown hilarious, others questioned whether he was simply adding fuel to the fire by giving West more attention.
Comparing Bianca Censori’s Outfit to Past Controversies
Kimmel also used the opportunity to reflect on how the public’s reaction to celebrity fashion has evolved over time. He compared Censori’s risqué outfit to Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl halftime show wardrobe malfunction, which caused nationwide outrage. He joked that times have changed so much that now, a fully nude woman can walk the Grammys red carpet with barely a second thought.
“Remember when the whole country melted down when one of Janet Jackson’s boobs popped out for a millisecond?” Kimmel quipped. “Now a completely nude woman walks the red carpet at the Grammys, they’re yelling, ‘Bianca, over here on the right! Please!’”
His comments underscored the shifting standards in entertainment, where shock value has become commonplace. While some praised Censori’s confidence and willingness to push fashion boundaries, others felt it was simply another attempt by West to stir controversy. Either way, Kimmel’s comparison sparked debate about how celebrity scandals are handled differently depending on the person involved.
Kimmel Suggests Will Smith Could Have Redeemed Himself by Slapping Kanye
One of Kimmel’s biggest punchlines of the night was his joke that Will Smith, who presented a tribute to Quincy Jones at the Grammys, could have redeemed himself by slapping Kanye West instead of Chris Rock at the Oscars.
“Also on the red carpet at the Grammys last night, Will Smith, who is banned from the Oscars for 10 years. The Grammys, they had him onstage honoring Quincy Jones,” Kimmel said. “And you know what’s a shame? Will Smith, all he had to do was run out on that red carpet and slap Kanye. I think all would be forgiven. He would be hosting the Oscars next year.”
The joke played into the ongoing cultural discussion about Smith’s fall from grace after his shocking Oscars slap in 2022. While Smith has largely stayed out of the spotlight, Kimmel suggested that public perception of him could have shifted had he targeted a more polarizing figure like West.
The comment quickly went viral, with fans debating whether Kimmel was making light of violence or simply pointing out how different contexts can change public reactions. Either way, it was one of the most talked-about moments from his monologue.
Final Thoughts on Kimmel’s Grammys Takedown
Jimmy Kimmel’s Grammys monologue was packed with sharp commentary on celebrity culture, from Kanye West’s brief but attention-grabbing appearance to Bianca Censori’s barely-there outfit and Will Smith’s slow return to the public eye. His jokes, while entertaining to some, reignited debates about celebrity accountability, media scrutiny, and the blurred line between humor and controversy.
Whether or not you agree with Kimmel’s take, one thing is clear: the Grammys red carpet remains one of the most unpredictable and talked-about events in entertainment. And as long as stars continue to push boundaries, comedians like Kimmel will be there to roast them every step of the way.