Memorable Grammy moments: Political performances, a Canadian first and Rihanna's dance moves

White roses on the carpet, an emotional performance by Kesha and a big Canadian win topped the list of the most memorablemoments at Sunday's politically charged Grammy Awards.

Bruno Mars was awarded six trophies including album, record and song of the year. The singer-songwriter saluted fellow nominees Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino in his thank you speech.

Lamar, for his part, delivered a powerful performance about politics and race early in the night. He dominated in the rap category, taking home five Grammys for his album DAMN. and songs LOYALTYand HUMBLE.

Singer Kesha performed a moving rendition of her songPraying as a tribute to the #MeToo movement. Thelyrics of the song describe a tormentor she urges to seek redemption.

The pop star,known for hits likeTiKToKandYour Love Is My Drug,has been embroiled in a high-profilelegal battle againsthitmakerDr. Luke after accusing him of sexual and physical abuse in 2014. He has denied any wrongdoing and is suing for defamation.

• AlessiaCara1stCanadian towin best new artist, Bruno Mars scores big

Joined on stage by a group of female artists including Andra Day, Camila Cabello, Julia Michaels and Cyndi Lauper, Kesha got a standing ovation and embraced the singers in tears afterwards.

Many stars, including Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson and Sam Smith, wore or carried white roses in support of the campaign to end sexual misconduct.

Politics in performance

Lamar opened the show with a medley of his latest tracks with a giant American flag as a backdrop and dancers dressed in army fatigues and later, redhoodies. As he rapped, they fell down to the sound of gunshots.

"I just wanted to remind the audience that the only thing more frightening than watching a black man being honest in America is being an honest black man in America," said comedian Dave Chappelle, who appeared on stage halfway throughthe number.

Logic performed 1-800-273-8255, his song about suicide prevention. The rap artist addressed women, immigrants and abused individuals from the stage.

"On the behalf of those who fight for equality in a world that is not equal, not just and not ready for the change we are here to bring, I say unto you, bring us your tired, your poor and any immigrant who seeks refuge for together we can build, not just a better country, but a world that is destined to be united."

He performed the hit anthem alongside Canadian pop singer AlessiaCara and Khalid.

A Canadian first

Cara, 21,took home a Grammy for best new artist. The Here and Stay singer-songwriter from Brampton, Ont., is the first Canadian to win the coveted award. Drake, Justin Bieber, Feist and Alanis Morissettehave all been nominated in the past but never won.

Leonard Cohen won best rock performance posthumously for You Want It DarkerandToronto's The Weeknd won best urban contemporary album forStarboy. Both were given out at the pre-televised ceremony.

Hillary Clinton makes cameo

During a night of politically charged music and commentary,Hillary Clintonprovideda surprising moment of levity.

In a pre-taped video, host James Cordengathered celebrities including John Legend, Snoop Dogg and Cardi B to read from Michael Wolfe's bestselling book Fire and Fury aboutthe White House under U.S. President Donald Trump.

The star appearance came from Clinton, who also read a brief passage. Corden joked the pretendaudiobook recording would be a sure bet for a Grammy next year.

Rihanna'sdance moves were everything

Although the tone was sombrethroughout the night, a few lighter performances balanced it out.Bruno Mars and CardiB broughthigh energy and a '90s theme to Finesse butRihanna's dance moves stole the spotlight duringWild Thoughts with DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller

The superstar, whowona Grammy alongside Kendrick Lamar for Loyalty,added amix of vivid facial expressionswhich quickly ascended to meme status on social media andinspired the sharing ofinstructional videos.