The 68th Grammy Awards transformed into a powerful platform for political expression on Sunday night, as major winners including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean used their acceptance speeches to criticize the United States’ ongoing immigration crackdown.
Hosted live in Los Angeles by Trevor Noah, the ceremony blended music celebration with pointed social commentary. Noah opened with a sharp joke, saying the show was airing “completely live” because “if we edited any of the show, the president would sue CBS for $16 billion,” referencing former legal disputes involving media editing claims, reports dw.com.
Big Wins of the Night
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made history by becoming the first Latin artist to win Album of the Year, taking the top honor for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. He also secured the Best Música Urbana Album award for the same project.
Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower, while Kendrick Lamar claimed Record of the Year for Luther with SZA and Best Rap Album for GNX. Lamar also surpassed Jay-Z to become the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.
Other major winners included Lady Gaga for Best Pop Vocal Album (Mayhem), Jelly Roll for Best Contemporary Country Album (Beautifully Broken), and Olivia Dean, who was named Best New Artist.
‘ICE Out’ Message Dominates
Beyond the music, the night was marked by visible and vocal solidarity with immigrant communities. Several artists wore “ICE Out” pins, referencing opposition to actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Eilish, among those wearing the pin, delivered one of the evening’s most direct statements: “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said during her acceptance speech.
Bad Bunny echoed the sentiment in his first televised speech of the night, declaring: “ICE out. We’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
His remarks come just a week before his scheduled performance at the Super Bowl halftime show — a booking that has already stirred political debate in conservative circles.
Personal Stories of Migration
British singer Olivia Dean, whose grandmother immigrated from Guyana, also addressed the issue: “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
A Ceremony Beyond Music
While the Grammys traditionally celebrate artistic achievement, this year’s ceremony underscored how deeply political and social issues continue to shape the entertainment world. The combination of historic wins and outspoken advocacy ensured the 68th Grammy Awards will be remembered as much for its messages as for its music.
