Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, & More Make Powerful Political Statements at Grammys 2026

The 68th annual Grammy Awards celebrated the best musicians of the year, bringing together rappers, country crooners, pop stars, and divas from across the music industry for one of the biggest nights in entertainment. But it was also a big night for political statements, as artists who won and performed used the moment to address social issues, speak out on current events, and make their voices heard well beyond the stage.

Many artists at the ceremony proudly wore “ICE OUT” pins to show their opposition to ICE and signal solidarity with immigrant communities amid ongoing crackdowns.

Bad Bunny won the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album, and he gave an impactful speech that got to the point. “Um, before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out,” said the performer to a crowd that roared in approval. “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens; we are humans, and we are Americans.”

The artist hails from Puerto Rico and has recently faced a wave of backlash after he was announced as the performer for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, drawing hateful reactions and online vitriol from critics.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

“I know it’s tough not to hate these days,” said the Grammy winner. “The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing more powerful than hate is love. So please, we need to be different. If we fight, we need to do it with love. I don’t hate them. We love our people, our family. Don’t forget that, please.”

When he won Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Bad Bunny began sobbing. After delivering a heartfelt message in Spanish to his friends and family in Puerto Rico, the artist said, “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their home, their country, to follow their dreams.”

Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower,” and used her acceptance speech to make a pointed statement. “I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land,” she said. “It’s really hard to know what to say and what to do right now. I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting, speaking up, and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.

After winning Record of the Year for “luther,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA took to the stage to receive the award from Lifetime Achievement Award winner Cher. “I just am a small part of this record, but what I really wanted to say is, please don’t fall into despair,” said SZA. “I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it’s so scary and all is lost. There’s been world wars, there’s been plagues, and we have to go on. We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other and trust ourselves. Trust your heart. We’re not governed by the government. We’re governed by God. And I thank you so much. So God bless.”

Related

What Did Billie Eilish Say in Grammys Speech?

Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean used her moment onstage to highlight her immigrant background, saying she owes everything to it as the daughter of immigrants. “I wouldn’t be here. I’m a product of bravery, and those people deserve to be celebrated,” she said.

Her remarks landed as a pointed reminder amid ongoing debates over immigration, ICE enforcement, and the Trump administration’s hard-line stance toward immigrants.

Before the show on the red carpet, Chappell Roan explained to Gayle King a comment she made about the importance of community and kindness. “It’s so devastating in the world,” said the Grammy winner. “I don’t know how we’ll make it through this without community and kindness. I don’t know how we’ll make it through if community is not a priority.”

“Women in music, fight for your ideas. I know it can be hard when you’re in the studio with a whole bunch of men,” Lady Gaga said as she spoke out in support of women after she won Best Pop Vocal.

The Grammys took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.