The music industry could not get away from the wall last night. Singer Joy Villa continued her tradition of bringing a conservative voice to the Grammy Award Show through her statement dresses with outfits calling for stronger border security and the wall.
The 27-year-old singer donned a silver overcoat with barbed wire accessories for the red carpet then pulled it off to reveal a stunning white and grey couture dress emblazoned with “Build the Wall” along with accompanying pro-Trump accessories.
Variety reports:
First up is Villa, who dressed as President Trump’s hotly contested border wall. Draped in silver with barbed wire tufts on her shoulders and carrying a “Make America Great Again” bag. “This is what I believe in,” Villa told Variety’s Marc Malkin. “I believe in the President, I just released an album called ‘Home Sweet Home’ and it’s all about my love for America, barbed wire, I’m having fun with it.”
Villa explained to Fox News:
"One in three women who are trying to come to this country illegally are sexually assaulted. Thousands of children are sexually exploited by coyotes bringing them across the border. Seventy percent of the heroin in our nation is brought in through Mexico. This is not personal against this country or the people. It’s not about race. It’s about protecting the people who are in this country. I’m Latina, I’m black. I support what the president says about building the wall, so that's what this dress represents."
This was a standout perspective given that there was likely to be ample conservative and Trump-bashing moments during the night.
Villa is no stranger to generating buzz at the Grammys. Last year, she wore a dress promoting the sanctity of life. In 2017, she made a statement in her infamous blue “Make America Great Again” dress. It was declarative of her political views and launched her into the public eye in a greater way.
Villa wasn’t the only guest to make her support for President Trump known. Ricky Rebel, a 38-year-old singer, donned a blue “KEEP AMERICA GREAT” blazer with Trump emblazoned on the back.
Some might be quick to pan their statement outfits on the grounds that award shows should be free of politics. That Former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage last night with her ironic message about music and welcoming different perspectives disputes that.
However, the difference I see is that plenty of political statements are notoriously made through songs, performances, and speeches at award shows like the Grammys. These two never took the stage or held a mic.
Majorities of Americans support stronger border security so Villa wasn't far off with her position. This was a unique opportunity for a conservative perspective to be represented and Villa took it.
One thing is clear, although they never spoke a word during the show, their message was received loud and clear.