The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony marked a monumental night. Bad Bunny achieved a historic win. He took home Album of the Year. This was for his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” It is the first Spanish-language album to win this top prize.
This victory is a significant moment for Latin MUSIC. Bad Bunny became the first Latin ARTIST to claim the award. It is a major milestone. His album celebrated Puerto Rico.
However, the night was not just about awards. Many artists used their platform for protest. They spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This sent a powerful message. It highlighted urgent AMERICAN issues.
A Night of Powerful Statements
Bad Bunny delivered a strong political statement. He accepted the award for Best Música Urbana Album. He famously declared, “Before I thank God, I’m going to say: ICE out”. He received a standing ovation.
He further elaborated on his stance. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he stated. Later, accepting Album of the Year, he dedicated the win to migrants. He spoke of those who left homelands for dreams.
Billie Eilish also made her voice heard. She won Song of the Year for “Wildflower”. Eilish wore an “ICE Out” pin. On stage, she declared, “No one is illegal on stolen land”. She added a blunt, “Fuck ICE”.
‘ICE Out’ Pins Go Mainstream
The “ICE Out” message was visible everywhere. Many celebrities wore these pins. This included Justin and Hailey Bieber. Joni Mitchell also wore a pin as she accepted her award.
Kehlani accepted Best R&B Performance for “Folded”. She too cursed ICE onstage. Kehlani urged artists to speak against injustice.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver wore a whistle pin. This honored legal observers in Minneapolis. These observers document ICE actions. Vernon spoke of their crucial work. Recent ICE actions in Minneapolis, including fatal shootings, fueled the protests.
Other Major Wins and Moments
Kendrick Lamar had a dominant night. He won multiple awards. Lamar broke the record for most Grammy wins by a rapper. He shared Record of the Year with SZA for “Luther”.
Olivia Dean was awarded Best New Artist. The night celebrated diverse talent. It also proved a powerful platform. It amplified calls for social change.
A Night of Music and Activism
The 2026 Grammys combined artistic achievement with bold activism. Bad Bunny’s historic win broke barriers for Spanish-language music. The artists’ vocal criticism of ICE policies underscored their role as cultural commentators. This MAJOR event offered more than just entertainment. It provided vital news and a platform for crucial American conversations.
