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Cedric the Entertainer Hosts on the red carpet at the 73rd Emmy Awards.
CBS / CBS Photo Archive via Getty ImagesThe 73rd Emmys got off to a flying start. Host Cedric the Entertainer started giving a passionate talk about what television means to him and his memories of watching television with his grandmother. Then he promised the show would be a throwback to the fun antics of award shows of years past, as opposed to the more socially stifling shows of last year.
“Some of you thought this celebration would be more low-key, kind of like the light of an Emmy, but that’s not how this host treats his best friend,” Cedric said.
Then the show erupted with a music medley in tribute to the recently deceased rapper Biz Markie, who passed away on July 16, 2021. He was joined on stage by LL Cool J, Lil Dicky and Rita Wilson, who all delivered charismatic verses ( Lil Dicky’s included a slight diss to “Ted Lasso” for his 20 nominations).
“TV, you have what I need. But you say it’s just a friend, but you say it’s just a friend,” the whole crowd sang.
The monologue was much shorter than in years past, with the series moving forward at a rapid pace, perhaps in an effort to build audience loyalty after a troubling trend of declining ratings for other awards shows like the Grammys, the Oscars and the Golden Globes. After the musical number, the show directly handed out two awards (much to Lil Dicky’s dismay, “Ted Lasso” won two acting awards) before a series of more traditional Cedric the Entertainer jokes.
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