NEW YORK (AFP) - After the "blackout" on the Golden Globes red carpet to draw attention to sexual harassment, the music industry's hottest stars wore white roses to the Grammys (Jan 29 morning, Singapore) in support of gender equality.

From Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson to Sting and Khalid, the women and men sported or carried the flowers.

"A white rose symbolises respect, pays homage to new beginnings and expresses hope for the future," tweeted the Time's Up movement, launched by hundreds of prominent women in Tinseltown to shine a light on sexual misconduct.

Lady Gaga, who will perform during the gala event, wore white rosebuds on her shoulder along with a Time's Up pin.

Clarkson - who was carrying her white rose - said it reflects "hope and peace and sympathy and resistance".

For Lauper, the white rose movement was about equal pay. "Women make up 51 per cent of the workforce, and it's about time we're paid equal," she said.

Songwriter Diane Warren showed up with white gloves, one word on each hand: Girl and Power.

The men provided support too.

Khalid, Sam Smith, Sting and Ne-Yo were among the many who sported roses on their lapels. "I hope we keep striving forward for equality for absolutely everyone," said Smith.