Grammys 2026: A Night of Record Wins and Political Statements
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony was a landmark event, blending musical excellence with powerful political activism. In a star-packed night, artists like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar not only took home major awards but also used the global platform to voice strong opposition to immigration policies, particularly targeting Donald Trump's ICE operations.
Bad Bunny Makes History with Wins and Activism
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Spanish-language artist to win the coveted Album of the Year award. His triumph extended to three Grammys in total, including Best Música Urbana Album and Global Music Performance. During his acceptance speech, he delivered a passionate call to action against anti-immigration sentiment.
"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out," Bad Bunny declared. "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we're humans and we are Americans ... The only thing more powerful than hate is love so please we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love." His words resonated deeply, especially as he is set to perform at the Super Bowl next weekend, amplifying his message to an even wider audience.
Kendrick Lamar Breaks Records and Speaks Through Music
Kendrick Lamar solidified his legacy by breaking Jay Z's record to become the most awarded rapper in Grammy history. He secured five awards, including Record of the Year for his collaboration with SZA on Luther, as well as Rap Song and Rap Album. With this haul, Lamar now boasts an impressive 27 Grammy wins, adding to the five he received last year.
On stage, Lamar remained humble, stating, "I'm not good at talking about myself but I express it through the music." SZA, during their joint speech, urged resilience, saying, "Please don't fall into despair. We can go on, we need each other ... we're not governed by the government, we're governed by God."
Widespread Anti-ICE Sentiment Among Artists
The ceremony was marked by a unified stance against ICE, with many artists wearing anti-ICE pins and delivering impassioned speeches. Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, echoed the sentiment, declaring, "No one is illegal on stolen land." She emphasised the need for continued activism, adding, "It's really hard to know what to say or what to do right now. ... we need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting."
Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, highlighted her immigrant heritage, stating, "I am up here as the grand-daughter of an immigrant. I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated." Other artists, such as Kehlani and Gloria Estefan, also spoke out, with Kehlani bluntly saying, "I wanted to say fuck ICE," and Estefan calling for humanity in immigration policies.
Other Notable Wins and Highlights
The night featured several other significant achievements. Lady Gaga won awards for Pop Vocal Album and Dance-Pop Recording, using her speech to empower women in music. In a surprise, Lola Young beat out heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber for Pop Solo Performance.
Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status by winning Best Music Film for Music for John Williams, joining an elite group including Audrey Hepburn and Elton John. Major country awards went to Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Tyler Childers, while Joni Mitchell won her 11th Grammy for Best Historical Album.
Host Trevor Noah's Farewell and Performances
Trevor Noah hosted the Grammys for the last time, describing it as "the best concert money can't buy." He joked about Nicki Minaj's absence, linking it to her recent MAGA affiliations, which drew applause from the audience. The night was filled with emotional performances, including tributes by Post Malone and Lauryn Hill, and sets by artists like Bruno Mars and Tyler, the Creator.
Despite the celebrations, some nominated artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber, went home empty-handed. The 2026 Grammys will be remembered not only for its musical accolades but also for its bold political statements, reflecting a growing trend of activism in the entertainment industry.
