Singer Joy Villa Wears 'Make America Great Again' Gown to the Grammys

Where do we start?

John Shearer

By Dominique Hobdy · Updated October 26, 2020

The 59th annual Grammy Awards red carpet is getting interesting already.

Singer Joy Villa just made a very bold pro-Trump fashion statement by wearing a gown with the infamous ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan emblazoned on it, and the name ‘Trump’ along the dress’ train – all while rocking a perfectly picked Afro.

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Perhaps we’re moving too fast, let’s back up a bit. Who is Joy Villa anyway?

From what we’ve learned via a quick Google search, Villa is a singer and actress who identifies as Black, Italian and Indian and whose most recent work is a song entitled “Empty.” She was one of the first guests to arrive to the Grammy Awards red carpet this evening and all was well until her flowy white robe came off.

Exhibit A.

A look at her social media doesn’t really give much insight into her political stance, yet she does deem herself a feminist and released a brief statement via Instagram explaining that her platform is all about love.

💥My whole artistic platform is about LOVE!🎶💕💋 I couldn't be where I am today without the love and tenderness of those beautiful supporters and friends around me. Thank you ❤️ I hope you enjoy tonight's @grammysawards2017 and remember to forget your problems and focus on your future! You are infinite and beautiful and no one can stop you but you. 💋So go out and celebrate yourself as a winner no matter what, together with those you adore! #happygrammysday #blessings #beautiful #love #grammys2017💝 #happyvalentinesday #celebration #style #postivevibes #love

A photo posted by Joy Villa (@joyvilla) on Feb 12, 2017 at 12:40pm PST

Being that we’re still not quite sure what America Donald Trump is referring to when he speaks of making things great again, the same goes for Ms. Villa’s dress. But for what it’s worth, she did make quite the statement on the red carpet.

WATCH | Beads, Beats & Black Girl Magic

By Essence · Updated March 12, 2025

The road to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is paved with beads, the lively sounds of brass bands, and the unstoppable spirit of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale. For the fourth time, ESSENCE, Femme Fatale, and Coca-Cola® are joining forces to UPLIFT AND SHARE THE MOMENT—launching an unforgettable journey to EFOC with a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration like no other! This year, we’re cranking up the excitement by giving you an exclusive peek behind the scenes for the very first time!

Founded in 2013, the groundbreaking all-female Mardi Gras krewe made history as the first established by African American women for African American women—but its spirit of inclusivity welcomes everyone to join the fun!
Femme Fatale goes beyond the parade route, fostering a year-round sisterhood rooted in service, mentorship, and cultural pride. Through leadership programs, community outreach, and signature initiatives like Say Yes to the Prom Dress, the krewe uplifts and supports women of all ages. The hard work and dedication put into preparing for Mardi Gras is just as important as their year-round efforts.

Year after year, Femme Fatale goes all-in to refresh their floats, costumes, and throws, ensuring that each parade is an unforgettable experience. The process starts months before the parade, with members brainstorming ideas, designing intricate costumes, and collaborating with artisans to create custom throws.
The work that goes into it is a true labor of love—each costume, throw, and float serves as a reflection of the krewe’s creativity, passion, and dedication to putting on a show that reflects their commitment to the community.
And when it all comes together, the result is nothing short of pure joy! Like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, culture, and unity—an explosion of color, music, and energy that brings people together in a way that’s truly unforgettable.