Howard Stern defends Trevor Noah’s upbeat Grammys 2024 monologue after Jo Koy was ‘almost f–king killed’

Howard Stern says he “felt so bad” for Grammys 2024 host Trevor Noah for having a squeaky-clean opening monologue after Jo Koy ruffled a few feathers at the Golden Globes.

The legendary shock jock and his “Howard Stern Show” co-host Robin Quivers reviewed the South African comedian’s joke-less Grammys opening in which Noah praised the nominees instead of trying any sly jokes per usual at award shows.

“He did the opposite of a roast. He was like a cheerleader,” Stern noted. “He didn’t say one negative thing about anybody.”

Stern, 70, then played a clip of Noah’s gush sesh where he praised everyone from producer Mark Ronson and his super famous mother-in-law, Meryl Streep, to rappers 21 Savage and Doja Cat.

“’21 Savage is so great. You know how great he is? He always pays his taxes on time,’” Howard mocked Noah. “’And you know what else? Doja Cat flosses every single day. That’s why she has such great breath!’”

“‘No one is safe, no one is off limits from my admiration tonight,’” Stern again joked.

Stern did, however, claim Noah “did what he had to do” to not offend anyone.

“I felt so bad for the guy,” Stern explained. “Trevor Noah is a comedian … [and] I think he did what he had to do.”

“I mean, look at that guy Jo Koy,” he reflected on the Golden Globes monologue. “He went up there, he tried to make a few jokes and they almost f–king killed the guy.”

Koy’s comedic efforts fell flat in January when the A-List audience full of film and TV greats didn’t appreciate his jokes about the “Barbie” movie and Taylor Swift.

“The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift,” Koy said at the Globes as an unimpressed Swift sipped on her alcoholic beverage.

Meanwhile, at the Grammys, Noah defended the “Karma” singer against angry NFL fans who “think she’s controlling the cameras” that often show her at Kansas City Chiefs games.

“Let her live. In fact, on behalf of Taylor, I’m going to give her a break. Every time Taylor Swift is mentioned, I’m going to cut to someone who played football. That’s what I will do,” Noah said as the camera panned to former NFL player and actor Terry Crews.

Swift seemingly approved of Noah’s joke, joining in on the crowd’s laughter.

Stern previously defended Koy against the backlash, claiming hoisting award shows is “f–king hard to do.”

“10 days? You’re doomed!” he reacted to Koy having just over a week to prepare for the Globes.

“Telling those jokes to a bunch of people who don’t wanna be laughed at is the biggest bummer in the world,” Stern continued. “Hollywood has no sense of humor about itself. Comedians are supposed to be funny. And the only way to be funny is to be cynical. So why would you want to go to an event where you can’t be cynical?”