Grammy Awards

2:20 PM PT -- BET is making it clear the tweet targeting Nicki was unauthorized. The network says, “BET loves Nicki Minaj. We have supported her from the very beginning of her career and will continue to do so moving forward. Nicki has paved the way for so many performers and has solidified her place as one of the most powerful figures in the music industry."

The statement continues ... "Unfortunately the respect we have for Nicki was violated by this post that should never have been written. The post does not reflect how we feel about Nicki. And further does not reflect our company values. We deeply apologize for the hurt, disappointment and confusion that this post has caused. We are committed to doing everything we can to address the situation."

BET also says, "We are also conducting an internal audit to assure these types of posts are not published again. We have apologized to Nicki and her team. The post has been removed and we have taken additional appropriate action. We understand Nicki’s position and look forward to continuing our dialogue with her. Finally, we apologize to all of her fans. This should have never happened.

BET's social media team thought it was a good idea to make fun of Nicki Minaj on Twitter when Cardi B won at the Grammys... and now Nicki's getting a little payback against the network.

The "QUEEN" rapper announced Monday that she and her label, Young Money, would not be part of the BET Experience later this summer -- which is a concert series she and Cardi were booked to co-headline just days before the BET Awards in June.

Sources connected to Nicki tell us she did, in fact, cancel the gig in direct response to BET's crass joke -- and she made that quite clear with her follow-up tweets.

People were putting BET on blast, saying they owed Nicki an apology since the comment was a low blow. Nicki seemed to agree, saying ... "Meanwhile, BET is being dragged by their lacefront," adding a laughing emoji for good measure.

It's unclear who, if anyone, at the network green lit the controversial tweet, but Nicki clearly doesn't care. If she and Young Money stick to the boycott ... it's a big loss, because it means Lil Wayne's also pulling out of the BET Experience concert.

You'll recall, Nicki and Cardi have had a salty past, getting into it at a NYFW party last September -- but both women said they were squashing the beef. It sounds like Nicki's just pissed about the jab at her, not so much about the celebration of Cardi.

Originally Published -- 12:12 PM PST

9th Wonder says XXXTentacion absolutely deserved to be part of the Grammys' In Memoriam segment, because the guy left a musical legacy that's bigger than life.

The legendary hip-hop producer made no bones about it Monday at LAX, where he told us Grammy producers missed an opportunity to include someone who gave a lot to the industry and changed lives ... adding that every big artist deserves recognition in death.

9th -- who's worked with Jay-Z, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and MANY other giants -- says X's impact on the culture is undeniable ... citing even his own son as proof the controversial MC was making waves before his tragic murder.

He suggests X's exclusion might have something to do with older Recording Academy members not knowing X -- but adds there were plenty of far less famous people honored on screen.

Our photog raised the issue that's reportedly the real reason X didn't make the cut -- his many legal issues and allegations of domestic violence.

After the 2019 Grammy Awards, all the biggest names in music dispersed to various after-parties -- the question ... whose party was the most poppin'???

At least five different get-togethers were going down at the same time late Sunday night all over L.A. Republic Records had a shindig, as did Universal and Sony. Even Mark Ronson threw something himself ... and don't forget the LiveXLive bash.

Each party had its fair share of big fish from the awards ceremony. Republic was able to lure a diverse crowd in Zedd, Paris Jackson, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner as well as Scottie Pippen. UMG's rager featured Earth, Wind & Fire, Eve, Kacey Musgraves and Terry Crews ... and Sony was able to bring in folks like Usher, John Mayer, Maren Morris and Miguel.

Ronson's party was a who's who too -- artists like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry swung by. And, the LiveXLive function had Charli XCX, Rick Ross and Sheck Wes there.

Just two Super Bowl champs hangin' out in Hollywood ...

Julian Edelman and Russell Wilson found each other at a pre-Grammy bash at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday -- and seemed to get along really well!

So, what did they have to talk about? Both guys are Super Bowl champs -- Wilson led the Seahawks to a victory over Peyton Manning's Broncos in Super Bowl 48.

And, Edelman has rings from Super Bowl 49, 51 and 53 ... also, the Super Bowl MVP from 53.

Obviously, Edelman was at the Grammys to present an award and Wilson was there to support his R&B star wife, Ciara.

They weren't the only athletes on hand ... Chris Bosh was also at the party. He's got 2 NBA championship rings.

2/11 8:25 AM PT -- More visual -- graphically visual at that -- evidence of the reunion ... Offset posted a promo video for his upcoming album, and it includes what looks like actual footage of Cardi giving birth to Kulture.

The punchline is a shot of Offset looking shell-shocked in a corner of the delivery room.

8:26 PM PT -- Cardi just won Best Rap Album -- beating out Mac Miller and others -- and she brought her hubby, Offset, onstage with her to accept her award. She even referred to him as her husband, and thanked him in what amounted to a hilariously sweet speech. Yeah ... they're back together, no doubt about it now.

It was certainly an emotional moment ... so much so, apparently, that somebody actually collapsed on the stage right after Cardi delivered her remarks.

A source at the show tells us the person who fainted was a female member of the pit area.

Cardi B and Offset are officially a red carpet couple again -- 'cause they just publicly reunited for the first time since their split last year.

The rappers showed up Sunday at Staples Center dressed to the nines -- especially Cardi, who was clearly paying tribute to designer Thierry Mugler's Fall 1995 collection. She wore a pink dress that looked more like a flower blooming with Cardi in the middle.

And, just to make sure we knew they were definitely back together, Cardi and Offset did this. Nothin' says we're a couple again like some good old-fashioned tongue.

Cardi and Offset were seen hanging out together at a club in Atlanta last weekend after apparently patching things up over the holidays, following a rocky 2018.

Looks like they're a lot closer to being all the way back now. Good for them.

2/11 -- A rep for Drake now says the rapper's speech wasn't cut off and interpreted a pause as the speech's conclusion. The rep added, "Producers did speak with Drake following his speech and did offer him to come back onstage to finish whatever his thoughts were." Drake declined ... saying "he was happy with what he said and had nothing else to add to it."

Drake had a lot to say after winning his latest Grammy -- but, apparently, he went a little too long ... 'cause the show cut him short before he was done with his remarks.

Drizzy accepted his award for Best Rap Song Sunday night -- taking the prize for "God's Plan" -- and toward the tail end of his acceptance speech ... it appeared he was cut off by the showrunners, who sent the telecast to a commercial break.

The timing was slightly awkward. Drake was downplaying the importance of awards, telling his fellow artists that as long as people were shelling out for their shows ... they were already winning, 'cause that's all that matters at the end of the day.

He seemed to be done with that train of thought and took a long pause, but then suddenly ... he tried launching into a new subject with a "but."

Unfortunately, the cameras had already started to zoom out -- signaling that the show was going to cut a break. Drake didn't get to finish his thoughts ... at least not on the air.

Also interesting ... Drake reportedly declined to perform at this year's award show, but was willing to show face to collect his hardware.

Here's a guy who REALLY misses football already -- Kacey Musgraves' producer Shawn Everett who decided to grab some full WR shoulder pads and rock 'em to the Grammys.

Everett is a stud producer -- he's worked with huge stars like John Legend, Alabama Shakes, The Killers, Weezer and more. He's kind of a big deal (which is why he was onstage while Musgraves accepted Album of the Year).

He's also got an interesting sense of style ... and went full CTE chic to the award show -- dressing up his shoulder pads with a full-length skirt, corset, gloves and boots.

As for the pads -- we found 'em online (in case you're looking to recreate the look) -- Adams VS500 Varsity Football Shoulder Pads ... and you can get 'em for around $80.

Of course, Everett ain't the first star to fuse football pads with fashion -- the WWE's legendary tag team Legion of Doom was rockin' the look back in the '90s!

The 2019 Grammys was a shimmering affair of talent -- but it was also a shining achievement in the wardrobe department ... just peep what the stars wore behind the scenes.

Hollywood's A-list musicians and artists went full sheen for their outfits at this year's award show -- including sparkling gowns from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Noah Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, Evan Ross, Ashlee Simpson, Katie Perry ... and even Michelle Obama.

You could probably see your own reflection in a lot of these get-ups -- which isn't to say they aren't fabulous, 'cause they are.

Some other honorable mentions who went the more traditional route with their attire -- Travis Scott, Mark Ronson, BTS, John Mayer, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Bebe Rexha and others.

Ariana Grande was quick to tweet and delete "Trash" after Mac Miller lost the Grammy for Rap Album of the Year ... what she felt was a sign of total disrespect from the award show to the late rapper and his family.

Miller -- who died in September -- received the first nomination of his career for Sunday's show for his album "Swimming." Mac was up against Travis Scott, Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T and Cardi.

Grande tweeted "Trash" after Cardi was announced the winner but clarified the shade wasn't at Cardi, saying, "Nothing to do w her. good for her. i promise. i'm sorry."

A source close to Ariana tells us she was upset because the Grammys flew Mac's parents out for the show -- a sign he was likely going to win -- and felt they disrespected him by giving it to someone else.

As we reported ... Ariana was supposed to perform at the show but later canceled the gig after a feud with Grammy honchos. She wanted was to perform "7 rings."

We're told the show's producer, Ken Ehrlich, told Ariana that song wouldn't connect with the audience, so he asked her to choose a different song. Ariana felt strongly "7 Rings" was what people wanted to hear, and when Ehrlich wouldn't budge, she said she'd take a pass.

Post Malone is taking heat for seemingly avoiding the subject of 21 Savage's arrest and detainment during his Grammys performance -- but PM was definitely showing love ... ya just couldn't see it.

Post performed his hit song "Rockstar" Sunday during the award show -- which, of course, features 21 Savage. Thing is, Post didn't directly address Savage's situation during his stage time ... and appeared to avoid Savage's verse altogether.

Some folks thought PM was doing 21 dirty by not taking the opportunity to speak out for his fellow MC -- who's currently being detained by ICE for being in the country illegally.

While Post didn't shout out Savage on camera, he was spotted backstage wearing a 21 Savage t-shirt -- which was presumably on him during the"Rockstar" performance.

He joins a movement that was out in force in front of the Staples Center before showtime -- the #Free21Savage coalition ... which had people marching with signs in support of the Atlanta-based rapper.

Young Thug nearly didn't make it to the Grammys after he got put in cuffs just hours beforehand -- but, luckily, he didn't find himself in a jail cell come showtime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... YT and a group of guys riding in a van were pulled over early Sunday morning for a traffic violation in WeHo. We're told Young Thug and the other passengers were taken out of the car and handcuffed.

As you can see in this video, obtained by TMZ, they were lined up outside a McDonald's ... and, at one point, Thug also had his hands over his head.

Our sources tell us one of the men in the vehicle -- not Thug -- told police that he was in possession of a registered firearm, but upon further inspection ... cops found the gun wasn't registered in California, so the guy got arrested on the spot. Everyone else was cut loose.

It's a good thing YT was able to walk away from this relatively scot-free, 'cause he was part of the opening act later Sunday alongside Camila Cabello. Seeing how he's the featured artist on her song, "Havana" ... it was kinda important that he be there.

He also ended up winning his first Grammy ever for his contribution to Childish Gambino's "This Is America," which won Song of the Year. YT was one of many MCs who provided backing vocals for the track.

Michelle Obama just rocked the house at the 2019 Grammy Awards -- and before she could even get four words out on the importance of music ... she was interrupted by cheers.

The former First Lady made a surprise appearance Sunday at the Grammys alongside Jada Pinkett-Smith, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and host Alicia Keys. After Jada discussed respecting everyone's voice in the music industry, Michelle took the mic ... but had a hard time getting her speech started 'cause people were losing their minds.

Eventually, after Michelle told folks to settle down, she talked about the wide ranging musical genres that got her through tough moments in life, and reiterated just how impactful music is to pretty much everyone.

In typical Obama fashion, Michelle sounded just as good as ever in her delivery ... and this reception proves she's still one of America's favorite people to hear from.

Tough act to follow, for sure.

Chris Cornell won a Grammy Sunday nearly two years after his death ... and his children accepted it on his behalf with a heartfelt message about their father.

Cornell's two kids -- his son, Christopher, and his daughter, Toni -- took to the stage at Staples Center after their dad had been awarded the Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his song, "When Bad Does Good" ... his third Grammy win ever.

Christopher spoke first, reading from a statement that read in part ... "I never thought we'd be standing here without my dad. I'm sure he would be proud and honored. He was known for many things. He was a rock icon, the godfather of grunge and the creator of a movement."

Christopher added ... "While he touched the hearts of millions, most importantly he is known for to us is for being the greatest father in our ear."

His sister finished up the speech, saying ... "His voice was his vision and his music was his peace," adding ... "This is for you daddy and we love you so much." Chris' family walked the red carpet together before the show, and put on a united front for the cameras.

TMZ broke the story ... Chris was found dead in Detroit in 2017. A coroner ruled his death as a suicide by hanging.

He was 52.

It's Grammy season, which means we're due for another outlandish Joy Villa outfit to grace the red carpet ... this time, she's here dressed as President Trump's border wall.

The alt-rock singer -- who's super conservative -- showed up to the Staples Center Sunday ahead of the big show wearing a silver "build the wall" gown, complete with faux barbed wire on her shoulders and a spiked crown on her head. Lady Liberty would be ... proud?

Joy told reporters that her 'BTW' ensemble was custom made by Designers Allinger of Desi Designs -- and, of course, she wore it to make a political statement, per usual. If her "steel" colored dress didn't tell you that ... her MAGA handbag hits the point home.

This isn't Joy's first rodeo with right-leaning outfits. She showed up to last year's Grammys wearing a pro-life dress, which also had an on-the-nose accessory.

Her 2018 fashion choice was apparently a big hit with DT's fam ... Joy told us that Eric Trump's wife, Lara, gave her rave reviews ... calling her dress "stunning."

Considering Joy has been rockin' MAGA gear to the Grammys since at least 2017, something tells us this is gonna be an ongoing thing as long as Trump's in office.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend don't seem to be holding out much hope Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will chow down on pizza with them on Grammys night.

John and Crissy were on their way into Spago Saturday night in Bev Hills, when our photog asked about their overture to AOC ... where the Mayor of Twitter said, "hello my hero, do you wanna come over and watch the grammys with us? there will be pizza."

AOC responded and didn't say no, tweeting back, "yes! we can live-tweet me burning something in the kitchen."

Honchos in charge of the Grammys this year aren't taking any chances, dropping extra cash to beef up security ... while keeping an eye out for any potentially troublesome beefs.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the 61st Annual Grammy Awards -- going down at the Staples Center Sunday night -- is covering the cost of hiring more than 50 officers to ensure everyone's safety at the event.

We're told there will also be extra fire inspectors and ambulances on hand in case of emergencies, and all in all ... it's spending about six figures for the added protection.

On top of that, our sources say ALL attendees -- regardless of celebrity status -- will be required to go through metal detectors to get in. And, even if a musician has their own bodyguard with a permit to carry a concealed weapon, their firearms won't be allowed inside -- cops only.

We're told Grammys personnel has also made police aware of any potential conflicts among the talent. We didn't get examples, but in a year where Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj ... it's good to keep an eye out.

Of course, there's also recent beef between Chris Brown and Offset, but no word if they'll both be there.