Grammy Awards 2026: A Night of Historic Wins and Defiant Voices
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards celebrated music’s biggest stars. However, the night also became a powerful platform for protest. Artists used their speeches to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This marked a politically charged evening for music news.
A Historic Night for Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny achieved a monumental win. He took home Album of the Year. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” made history. It is the first Spanish-language album to win this top prize. This win is a significant milestone. It highlights global music’s growing influence. Bad Bunny also won for Best Música Urbana Album. He received three awards total.
Kendrick Lamar’s Record-Breaking Success
Kendrick Lamar was a major winner. He secured five awards. This cemented his status as hip-hop’s most-awarded artist ever. He surpassed Jay-Z’s previous record. Lamar won Record of the Year. He shared the award with SZA for their song “Luther”. This was his second consecutive win in this category.
Olivia Dean Honored as Best New Artist
Olivia Dean earned the Best New Artist award. She delivered an emotional acceptance speech. Dean celebrated her immigrant roots. She called herself a “product of bravery”. Her win highlighted new talent in trending music.
Artists Speak Out Against ICE
A strong anti-ICE message permeated the ceremony. Many artists used their speeches to protest. Bad Bunny famously exclaimed, “ICE out!”. He emphasized humanity and love. Billie Eilish also spoke out. She stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land”. She added, “F— ICE”.
Red Carpet Statements and Broader Support
Celebrities showed solidarity on the red carpet. Many wore “ICE out” pins. This included notable figures like Justin and Hailey Bieber. Joni Mitchell also sported a pin. Other artists like Kehlani and Samara Joy voiced similar sentiments. Olivia Dean also touched on immigrant heritage. These actions amplified artist voices.
Other Notable Moments
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas won Song of the Year for “Wildflower”. This gave them three wins in that category. Teddy Swims was also present. The broadcast was hosted by Trevor Noah for his final time. The music news cycle buzzed with these powerful moments. The year’s releases were recognized.
