The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena proved to be a night of both high fashion and potent political statements, with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny using his platform to deliver a powerful message against US immigration authorities while accepting the evening's top honour.
Bad Bunny's Emotional Victory and Political Stand
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, created one of the most memorable moments of the night when he accepted the Album of the Year award for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The 31-year-old global sensation appeared visibly emotional, taking several seconds to compose himself before addressing the audience.
During his acceptance speech, the artist dedicated his award to immigrants everywhere, stating: 'I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.' He continued with a direct political message, asserting that immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not 'savage, animals, or aliens' but rather Americans deserving of respect and recognition.
This was not Bad Bunny's only political statement of the evening. Earlier in the ceremony, when accepting the Best Música Urbana Album award for the same project, his first words upon reaching the podium were 'ICE out' - a clear reference to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The declaration received a massive ovation from the star-studded audience gathered at the downtown Los Angeles venue.
Hollywood's Anti-ICE Sentiments Take Centre Stage
Bad Bunny was far from alone in expressing political views during the prestigious music awards ceremony. Numerous artists used their acceptance speeches to voice opposition to ICE policies and show solidarity with immigrant communities.
Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, delivered an impassioned speech declaring that 'no one is illegal on stolen land.' The 24-year-old singer, accompanied by her brother and collaborator Finneas O'Connell, urged continued activism and protest, stating: 'I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter.' Reports indicate she concluded with an uncensored expletive directed at ICE before leaving the stage.
Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean also referenced her immigrant heritage during her acceptance speech. The 26-year-old British singer dedicated her award to her grandmother, who immigrated from Guyana to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation during World War II. 'I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,' Dean stated. 'I wouldn't be here. I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.'
The political atmosphere was further emphasised by many attendees wearing 'ICE out' pins in protest of the controversial agency, particularly following recent high-profile incidents involving ICE agents in Los Angeles and Minneapolis.
Saint Laurent Afterparty Fashion Extravaganza
Following the politically charged ceremony, attention shifted to the glamorous Saint Laurent Grammys afterparty at the iconic Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. The event saw A-list celebrities arriving in spectacular fashion, providing a stark contrast to the serious tone of the awards show.
Demi Lovato's Dramatic Transformation
Singer Demi Lovato, 33, made a stunning entrance showcasing her remarkable 50-pound weight loss transformation. She wore a plunging gown featuring a sheer boned corset adorned with delicate floral embellishments, paired with a sweeping black skirt that created a dramatic silhouette as she moved.
The former Disney star completed her elegant look with a chic clutch bag and strappy heels, arriving hand-in-hand with her partner Jutes (real name Jordan Lutes). The couple had previously displayed their affection on the Grammys red carpet earlier in the evening at the nearby Crypto.com Arena before making their way to the exclusive afterparty.
Jessica Simpson's Leggy Display
Meanwhile, Jessica Simpson, 45, turned heads with an equally eye-catching ensemble. The fashion designer and singer opted for a lacy dress featuring a daring split that showcased her legs as she entered the prestigious venue.
Simpson paired the revealing number with a luxurious furry jacket and a matching quirky handbag, demonstrating her signature style as she confidently strutted into the celebrity-filled bash. Her appearance marked a glamorous return to the spotlight at one of music's most exclusive post-award events.
Other Notable Winners and Attendees
The 2026 Grammys celebrated diverse musical talent across numerous categories. Kendrick Lamar earned Record of the Year for his collaboration with SZA on luther, while also taking home Best Rap Album for GNX. Lady Gaga added to her impressive collection with three more Grammy awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM.
Other notable winners included:
- Lola Young for Best Pop Solo Performance (Messy)
- Jelly Roll for Best Contemporary Country Album (Beautifully Broken)
- Olivia Dean for Best New Artist
- Doechii for Best Music Video (Anxiety)
The afterparty saw numerous other celebrities making fashionable appearances, including Kesha in a Snow Queen-inspired gown, Machine Gun Kelly in a bold red ensemble, and Tinashe wearing a sheer sequinned gown that revealed skimpy lingerie beneath - a look reminiscent of Bob Mackie's iconic 1970s designs famously worn by Cher.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be remembered as an evening where artistic achievement intersected with political activism, while Hollywood's elite demonstrated that fashion remains an essential component of music's biggest night. From Bad Bunny's heartfelt dedication to immigrants to the glamorous displays at the Saint Laurent afterparty, the event captured the complex tapestry of contemporary celebrity culture where personal expression, political conviction, and sartorial excellence converge on a global stage.
