Grammy Stars Voice ICE Protests as Bad Bunny Creates Historic Milestone
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles became a platform for political activism as major winners used their acceptance speeches to criticise US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The historic night also saw Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny achieve a groundbreaking victory, becoming the first artist ever to win the prestigious Album of the Year award for a record sung entirely in Spanish.
Bad Bunny's Landmark Victory and Powerful Message
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martinez Ocasio, secured the top album prize for his sixth studio release, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. This triumph comes just days before he is scheduled to headline the Super Bowl halftime show during the clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. During his emotional acceptance speech, delivered partly in Spanish and partly in English, the artist made a direct plea for compassion and unity.
"Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out," declared Bad Bunny. "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans." He dedicated his award to all immigrants who have had to leave their homelands to pursue their dreams, emphasising that "the only thing that is more powerful than hate is love." Earlier in the evening, he also won the Best Musica Urbana Album category.
Artists Unite in Political Statements
The criticism of ICE was a recurring theme throughout the ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena. Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, took to the stage with her brother Finneas, both wearing distinctive "ICE Out" pins. "I feel so honoured every time I get to be in this room," she stated, "and 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." Eilish urged continued protest and advocacy, asserting that collective voices truly matter.
British singer Olivia Dean, who beat compatriot Lola Young to win Best New Artist, became emotional as she referenced her immigrant heritage. "I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant, I wouldn't be here if it were not for immigration," she revealed. "I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."
Widespread Artist Solidarity and Ceremony Highlights
The political statements extended beyond the main winners. Singer Kehlani, winning her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance for Folded, explicitly said "f*** ICE" during her speech and called for public opposition. Artists including Joni Mitchell, Kehlani, and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon were also seen wearing "ICE Out" and "Be Good" pins. Vernon, whose group was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album, wore a whistle as a tribute to legal observers documenting federal agents' actions in US cities.
"I think there's a reason that music exists and it's to heal and to bring people together," Vernon told The Associated Press. "But the real work are those observers on the ground in Minneapolis. We just want to shout them out." This reference followed recent incidents where ICE agents fatally shot two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, on the streets of Minneapolis in January.
Other Major Winners and Memorable Moments
Elsewhere at the ceremony, rap icon Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night's biggest winner. The most nominated artist with nine nods, he secured five awards including Record of the Year for his collaboration with SZA, Luther. A humorous moment occurred when veteran singer Cher, after receiving a lifetime achievement award, mistakenly referred to Lamar as the late soul legend Luther Vandross while presenting the Record of the Year trophy.
Following their win, SZA offered words of resilience: "I know that right now is a scary time... There's been world wars, there's been plagues, and we have gone on, we can go on, we need each other." Lamar also collected awards for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, Best Melodic Rap Performance, and Best Rap Performance.
Pop superstar Lady Gaga, the second-most nominated artist with seven nominations, won Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem, adding to earlier wins for Best Dance Pop Recording and Best Remixed Recording. The evening's performances included dramatic spectacles from Tyler, The Creator, who crashed a Ferrari F40 on stage, and a praised return by Justin Bieber after a four-year Grammys absence. Touching tributes were also paid to music legends Ozzy Osbourne, D'Angelo, and Roberta Flack.
The 2026 Grammys will be remembered not only for its celebration of musical excellence but for its powerful collective stance on immigration policy and human rights, framed by Bad Bunny's historic achievement for Spanish-language music.
