Bad Bunny Makes Grammy History as Stars Protest Against ICE
Bad Bunny has made history as the first Latin artist to win Album of the Year in the 68-year history of the Grammy Awards. This landmark achievement unfolded during a ceremony where numerous celebrities stood in solidarity against the Trump administration’s controversial immigration policies.
Bad Bunny’s Grammy Win and Advocacy
– Historic Achievement: At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny, born Benito Ocasio, took home the coveted Album of the Year award for his sixth album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. This album serves as a personal yet powerful exploration of Puerto Rico’s musical heritage.
– Emotional Recognition: Upon winning, he appeared taken aback when Harry Styles announced his name. Overcome with emotion, he dedicated the honor to immigrants who leave their home, land, their country, to follow their dreams.
– Powerful Message: In his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album, he boldly declared, ICE out, addressing the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. He emphasized, We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens; we are humans and we are Americans.
Celebrities Join the Protest
– Olivia Dean’s Tribute: Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean echoed Bad Bunny’s sentiments, highlighting her immigrant heritage. I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other, she stated.
– Support from the Industry: Other stars, including Kehlani, Gloria Estefan, and Billie Eilish, used their platforms to advocate for immigrant rights. Many artists wore badges stating ICE out on the red carpet to further draw attention to the cause.
Notable Wins and Surprising Moments
– Kendrick Lamar’s Milestones: Kendrick Lamar achieved his own historic moment by winning Best Rap Album for GNX, surpassing Jay-Z’s record with a total of 26 Grammys. He later secured his 27th award with Record of the Year for Luther, a duet with R&B artist SZA.
– Cher’s Confusion: A light-hearted moment occurred when Cher, after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, misread the winner of Record of the Year before being called back to the stage to announce the correct recipient.
The Impact of Streaming on Latin Music
Bad Bunny’s three Grammy wins mark a significant milestone for Latin music, which has historically struggled for recognition in an Anglophone-dominated industry. The rise of streaming platforms has helped to break down language barriers, allowing Latin artists to thrive. Bad Bunny was the most-played artist on Spotify last year, with an astounding 19.8 billion streams.
– Reflection on Loss: In his acceptance of Album of the Year, Bad Bunny addressed themes of grief and resilience. He dedicated the award to those who have lost loved ones, stating, For all the people who have lost someone close to them and had to continue forward with lots of strength, this award is for you.
A Look at Overall Highlights
The 2026 Grammy Awards showcased remarkable performances and celebrated new talents:
– Billie Eilish: Winning Song of the Year for Wildflower for the third time, Eilish emphasized the importance of activism and community during her speech.
– Diverse Talent Showcase: The ceremony featured a segment honoring all nominees for Best New Artist, including captivating performances from Lola Young and Katseye.
– Tributes to Legends: The event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to music greats, including a medley featuring Lauryn Hill and other iconic artists, reaffirming the Grammy’s commitment to honoring musical excellence and history.
Bad Bunny’s Grammy victory not only signifies a personal triumph but also serves as a beacon of hope and representation for Latin artists in the global music scene. As the industry evolves, the voices fighting for justice and equality, like Bad Bunny’s, continue to make waves and inspire change.