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---
title: The Hidden Message in Camila Cabello&#x27;s Grammys Performance
description: There was a lot happening onstage during the opening of the 61st Grammy Awards, including a political message hidden in the choreography.
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author: Rachel E. Greenspan
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article:published_time: 2019-02-11T02:07:27.000Z
article:modified_time: 2023-12-13T00:58:35.000Z
article:section: Entertainment
og:title: There Was a Hidden Message in Camila Cabello&#x27;s Grammy Performance
og:description: If you blinked, you might have missed the subtle political message
og:url: https://time.com/5526369/grammys-2019-camila-cabello-border-wall/
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og:image:alt: camila-cabello-havana-grammys-2019
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twitter:title: There Was a Hidden Message in Camila Cabello&#x27;s Grammy Performance
twitter:description: If you blinked, you might have missed the subtle political message
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![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf25a3d1221c7b344/698944e6e76ad21e2b63424a/camila-cabello-havana-grammys-2019.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)


# Camila Cabello's Grammy Performance Had a Hidden Anti-Wall Message

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### FAQ

#### Who is Ally Bank?

Ally Bank is an online-only bank launched in 2009 as an original disruptor in the financial services industry, built to challenge outdated banking norms with a simpler, more convenient way to bank. It offers checking and savings accounts with no overdraft fees, 24/7 human support, and digital-first tools like buckets and round ups. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

#### Is Ally good for everyday banking?

Ally is built for everyday banking, spending, and saving. Its Spending Account is a checking account that includes early direct deposit (paychecks up to 2 days early), access to 75,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide, the ability to add cash for free at participating locations nationwide, and no overdraft fees. Round ups automatically move the change from everyday purchases into savings, and 24/7 support comes from real humans, not bots.

#### What bank is built for life today?

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### Disclaimers

* Ally Bank, Member FDIC.
* Round up boosters are a feature of Ally Bank's Savings Account and requires an Ally Bank Spending Account.
* Ally Bank Spending Accounts include access to an add cash feature utilizing VanillaDirect Pay provided by InComm Financial Services California, Inc. and by InComm Financial Services, Inc. (NMLS# 912772), which is licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply.
* Savings buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Savings Account.
* No ATM fees from Ally Bank at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs plus we reimburse for fees charged by other ATM owners nationwide up to $10 per statement cycle.
* Early direct deposit offers eligible direct deposits up to two days sooner.
* Spending buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Spending Account.

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by 

[Rachel E. Greenspan](https://time.com/author/rachel-e-greenspan/)


## Rachel E. Greenspan


Updated: Dec 13, 2023 12:58 AM UTCPublished: Feb 11, 2019 2:07 AM UTC

![61st Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf25a3d1221c7b344/698944e6e76ad21e2b63424a/camila-cabello-havana-grammys-2019.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

Ricky Martin and Camila Cabello perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Ricky Martin and Camila Cabello perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Kevork Djansezian—Getty Images

by 

[Rachel E. Greenspan](https://time.com/author/rachel-e-greenspan/)


## Rachel E. Greenspan


Updated: Dec 13, 2023 12:58 AM UTCPublished: Feb 11, 2019 2:07 AM UTC

The opening performance of the 61st Annual Grammy Awards featured a busy stage production with a robust set and dozens of dancers. So it was easy to miss the political message hidden among the colorful costumes and choreography.

During Camila Cabello, J Balvin and Ricky Martin’s performance of “Havana,” an extra sat on a bench reading a prop newspaper with the headline, “Build bridges not walls.”

> [](https://twitter.com/schatz%5Frashad/status/1094765736050999297)

The group of performers was an international one: Cabello was born in Cuba and immigrated to the U.S. as a child, Martin is Puerto Rican and reggae singer Balvin hails from Colombia. Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval was also featured in the number.

The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of the newspaper appeared to be a direct commentary on President Donald Trump’s ongoing demands for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. As the President continues negotiations with Congress, the U.S. may yet enter a second government shutdown over the impasse.

Ricky Martin, the king of Latin pop behind “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and a two-time Grammy winner, has used his platform to voice political opinions in the past. The artist, who is openly gay, has advocated for gay marriage and LGBTQ rights and hosted a fundraiser for President Obama in 2012.

“Havana” was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2019 Grammys, and Cabello’s eponymously named album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album.

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