When we look back on the 2019 Grammys, whether that is months or years from now, the two moments we will remember are when Alicia Keys played two pianos and Michelle Obama’s surprise appearance. This was not a political statement, rather a symbol of female empowerment.

At the start of the show, a group of powerful women including Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Obama took center stage to give a powerful speech. Obama took the place of what traditionally would have been Keys’ opening monologue to talk about the importance of music bringing people together.