Bad Bunny used his Grammy win to deliver one of the night’s most powerful political messages. Accepting Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, the Puerto Rican superstar declared “ICE out,” directly addressing U.S. immigration enforcement amid ongoing tensions in Minneapolis.
“We Are Humans and We Are Americans”
The artist, set to headline next week’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, told the audience: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” His words drew a standing ovation, marking the most explicit political moment of the evening. He urged fans to respond with compassion, adding: “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. If we fight, we have to do it with love.”
Other Stars Join the Protest
Bad Bunny was not alone in his message. Olivia Dean, who won Best New Artist, spoke about her immigrant heritage, saying: “I’m a product of bravery and those people deserve to be celebrated.” Billie Eilish, winning Song of the Year for Wildflower, echoed the sentiment: “We just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter.”
Kendrick Lamar Makes History
Earlier in the night, Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Album for GNX, surpassing Jay-Z to become the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history with 26 wins. “Hip-hop is always going to be right here,” Lamar said, celebrating his fourth victory in the rap album category.
Lady Gaga and Lola Young Shine
Lady Gaga took home Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem, her 16th Grammy, while urging women in music to fight for their creative vision. Londoner Lola Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy, marking a breakthrough moment in her career.
Performances That Lit Up the Night
The ceremony featured standout performances, including Rosé and Bruno Mars’s rock rendition of APT, Sabrina Carpenter’s theatrical Manchild, and Justin Bieber’s stripped-down Yukon. Lady Gaga stunned with an avant-garde headpiece during Abracadabra, while Lauryn Hill closed the night with tributes to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo.
A Grammys of Music and Message
With artists blending artistry and activism, the 2026 Grammys became a platform for both celebration and protest. Bad Bunny’s “ICE out” declaration set the tone for a night where music and social justice shared the spotlight.
