Billie Eilish turned her Song of the Year victory at the 2026 Grammys into a powerful political statement. Winning for Wildflower from her 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft, the 24-year-old singer added her 11th Grammy to an already impressive collection. But instead of sticking to the usual thank-yous, she used her platform to criticize U.S. immigration enforcement.
“No One Is Illegal on Stolen Land”
Accepting the award alongside her brother and collaborator Finneas, Eilish delivered a pointed message. “No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said, drawing applause from fellow nominees including Sabrina Carpenter and members of KPop group HUNTR/X. Wearing an “ICE Out” pin, she joined other stars in protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies.
A Direct Rebuke of ICE
Eilish didn’t hold back. “I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter,” she said. Then she added bluntly: “And f–k ICE is all I wanna say, sorry.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many artists who have spoken out against immigration enforcement practices in recent weeks.
A Pattern of Advocacy
The singer has been outspoken about immigration issues for months. In January, she called ICE a “terrorist group” after the killing of poet Renée Nicole Good by an agent in Minneapolis. She also criticized ICE operations while accepting the MLK Jr. Environmental Justice Award. Her Grammy speech continued that advocacy, amplifying her message to a global audience.
Winning Against Heavy Competition
Eilish’s Wildflower beat out a stacked category that included Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra, Bad Bunny’s DtMF, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Luther, and Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild. The win reinforced her status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music, both artistically and socially.
A Grammy Run That Shows No Signs of Slowing
Though she entered the night with just two nominations, Eilish’s victory added to her streak of Grammy success. Her combination of artistry and activism continues to define her career, proving that she is not only a chart-topping musician but also a cultural force unafraid to speak truth to power.
