During her set on Sunday, April 15, Cardi waved off the impending scrutiny surrounding her much-discussed pregnancy, joyfully dancing and twerking in a way that celebrated her musical achievements as well as motherhood. Unsurprisingly, the performance drew criticism, but the "Bodak Yellow" rapper is hardly the first musician to perform live with her baby bump proudly on display—and she certainly won't be the last.
Over the years, other pregnant artists, from Christina Aguilera to Bjork, have grabbed headlines for performing on stage while expecting. In 2017, Beyonce, pregnant at the time with twins Rumi and Sir, honored motherhood by channeling her inner goddess (specifically, the Yoruba deity of fertility, Oshun) with a stunning, regal performance at the Grammy Awards. Eight years earlier, M.I.A. also appeared on the Grammys stage, performing on her due date and making no apologies for scandalizing pearl-clutchers watching from home.
Below, check out musicians who have performed at awards shows, concerts and more while pregnant.
Stars Who Performed While Pregnant
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