Grammys 2026: A Night of Political Protest and Historic Triumphs
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in 2026 will be remembered not just for its musical accolades, but as a powerful platform for political dissent. The evening was dominated by a chorus of condemnation against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alongside a series of heartening and historic wins for artists across generations.
Anti-ICE Sentiment Takes Centre Stage
Political statements from artists were the defining theme of the night, with multiple winners using their acceptance speeches to deliver forceful critiques of ICE. The sheer volume and conviction of these statements transformed the ceremony into a robust political protest.
Billie Eilish, winning Song of the Year for Wildflower, echoed a popular protest chant, stating, "No one is illegal on stolen land... 'Fuck Ice' is all I want to say." She emphasised the importance of continued protest and speaking up.
Kehlani, collecting an R&B award for Folded, called for industry unity: "Together we're stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice... fuck ICE."
The most poignant speech came from Bad Bunny. Having previously cancelled US tours over fears for his fans, he delivered a message charged with clarity and humanism: "ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans... The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love." His call to fight injustice with love marked a striking moment of moral leadership.
Olivia Dean, winning Best New Artist, brought subtle power to her statement, dedicating her win as the granddaughter of an immigrant: "I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."
Historic Firsts and Career Milestones
Beyond the politics, the ceremony was a night of significant artistic recognition. British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean was anointed as a major new pop star, winning Best New Artist. Her breakthrough album The Art of Loving showcases a remarkable skill for evoking human emotion, positioning her on a trajectory reminiscent of British legends like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
In a landmark moment, legendary rock band The Cure won their first ever Grammys, taking home two awards: Best Alternative Music Album for Songs of a Lost World and Best Alternative Music Performance for Alone. The wins came for work with a sombre, valedictory feel, though the band were absent, attending the funeral of former member Perry Bamonte.
Kendrick Lamar continued his dominance, winning five awards including Record of the Year for his SZA duet Luther. This brought his total Grammy count to 27 by age 38, solidifying his place as one of the most decorated artists in the academy's history.
In one of the more surreal wins, the Dalai Lama secured his first Grammy for Best Audiobook for Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At 90 years old, this places him among the oldest winners ever.
Standout Performances and Other Notable Wins
The performance of the night belonged to Justin Bieber. Performing Yukon in a state of confected anti-glamour—dressed in shorts and socks—he brilliantly built the song's riff live using loops and drum pads, delivering loose, jazzy vocals that captivated the audience.
Other notable British successes included Lola Young beating stiff competition to win Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy, and wins for FKA twigs, Cynthia Erivo, and Yungblud in various categories.
Posthumously, jazz fusion pianist Chick Corea extended his record as the most garlanded jazz musician at the Grammys, winning Best Jazz Performance for a live rendition of Windows. This brought his total to 29 awards.
In the producer ranks, Cirkut (Henry Walter) won his first Producer of the Year award. Known for working with artists like The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, his win signals a potential shift in pop's production landscape.
The 2026 Grammys ultimately proved to be a complex tapestry, weaving together urgent political commentary with celebrations of artistic longevity, emerging talent, and pure performance brilliance.
