At Sunday night's prestigious Grammy Awards ceremony held at Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena, Billie Eilish delivered one of the most significant political statements of the evening while accepting the coveted Song of the Year award. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter used her platform to speak out forcefully against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, referencing what she described as "stolen land" in a direct critique of historical colonization.
A Night of Political Statements
The 2026 Grammy Awards transformed into a platform for political expression as numerous artists joined Eilish in protesting current immigration policies. Stars including Joni Mitchell, Kehlani, and Justin and Hailey Bieber wore visible "ICE OUT" pins throughout the ceremony, creating a coordinated visual protest against what many performers characterized as harsh immigration enforcement measures.
Eilish's speech resonated powerfully within the arena, with audience members rising to their feet in support as she declared, "As grateful as I feel, I honestly don't feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land." The singer concluded her emotional remarks with a more direct statement that was partially censored during the CBS broadcast, though the sentiment clearly connected with those present at the live event.
Artists Unite in Protest
The anti-ICE sentiment extended far beyond Eilish's moment on stage. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican global superstar who won Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, dedicated his award to immigrants and delivered his own powerful message. The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, received a massive ovation when he stated that immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not "savage, animals, or aliens" but rather Americans deserving of recognition and respect.
Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, used her acceptance speech to honor her immigrant grandmother who came to the UK from Guyana as part of the Windrush Generation. The 26-year-old British singer emphasized that she stood on stage "as a granddaughter of an immigrant" and celebrated the bravery of those who leave their homelands to pursue better opportunities.
Broader Context and Reactions
The coordinated protests came amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, with artists specifically referencing recent incidents involving ICE agents. Many performers connected their statements to what they perceive as systemic issues within immigration policy, creating a through-line of political commentary throughout the awards ceremony.
While the political statements dominated much of the conversation, the Grammys also celebrated musical excellence across numerous categories. Kendrick Lamar earned Record of the Year for his collaboration with SZA on luther, bringing his total Grammy count to an impressive 27 awards. Lady Gaga secured Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM, while newcomer Lola Young surprised many by winning Best Pop Solo Performance over established A-list competitors.
The evening demonstrated how award ceremonies increasingly serve as platforms for artists to address social and political issues, with the 2026 Grammys particularly focused on immigration policy and the treatment of immigrants in the United States. The coordinated nature of the protests suggested careful planning among artists who sought to use their collective visibility to amplify their message about what they view as unjust immigration enforcement practices.
