History-making and first-time winners like Bad Bunny and Kehlani were hot topics on the 2026 Grammys. But one other topic also took center stage: ICE. Grammy winners used certainly one of music’s biggest award shows to take a stand against anti-immigration operations happening in Minnesota, California and other states.
Here’s how Benito (Bad Bunny), Ms. Dean, Olivia Dean, Gloria Estefan, Shaboozey, and Billie Eilish spoke out against ICE and stood up for immigrants, in some cases honoring their very own roots.
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Bad Bunny Wins ‘AOTY’ 3 Years After First Nomination
Late within the 2026 Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny won album of the yr for his hit project, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos.’ His win is the primary time a Spanish-language album has taken home the highest prize. Harry Styles presented the award. The English singer took home the ‘AOTY’ award in 2023 for ‘Harry’s House.’ He beat Bad Bunny that yr, who was nominated for ‘Un Verano Sin Ti,’ — the primary time a Spanish-language album was within the category.
Three years later, Bad Bunny was back within the category and doubled up on making Grammy history. In his acceptance speech, he thanked the Recording Academy, his mother and his island, Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico, imagine me once I let you know that we’re much greater than 100 by 35,” he said in his acceptance speech in Spanish, referring to a Puerto Rican colloquialism in regards to the island’s small size. “And there’s nothing we will’t achieve. Thank God, thanks to the Academy, thanks to all of the individuals who have believed in me throughout my profession.
“To all of the individuals who worked on this album, thanks mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I really like you,” he continued. Then he switched to English: “I need to dedicate this award to all of the individuals who had to depart their homeland to follow their dreams.”
Bad Bunny During His First Speech: “ICE Out”
Earlier within the night, he won the ‘Best Música Urbana Album’ award. That’s when he used his speech to share an anti-ICE message. He highlighted the humanity of all people and advocated for love over hate.
“Before I say because of God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said, starting out his speech in English to very large applause. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We’re humans and we’re Americans.”
In a number of days, he’ll take the Super Bowl Halftime stage, and the entire world is itching to know the way he’s coming and who will come out with him! Recently, DHS confirmed that ICE agents might be present at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, come next Sunday.
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Olivia Dean Proudly Highlights Immigrant Grandmother
Before Bad Bunny took a stand against ICE, so did Olivia Dean in her ‘Best Latest Artist’ acceptance speech. The 26-year-old is a first-time Grammys winner, performer and attendee. She’s had folks in a chokehold along with her album, ‘The Art of Loving’ and standout songs, ‘Man I Need’ and ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love).’ In her acceptance speech, which aired survive CBS, she acknowledged her immigrant roots.
“I never really imagined that I can be up here,” she said, receiving her first Grammy while wiping away tears. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here … I’m a product of bravery, and I believe that those people need to be celebrated.”
Olivia Dean’s speech accepting her Best Latest Artist #Grammy award🥹 pic.twitter.com/zCA3Iii0od
— Olivia Dean Updates (@OliviaDeanStats) February 2, 2026
Billie Eilish Goes OFF On ICE In Acceptance Speech
Like Olivia Dean, Billie Eilish was also survive CBS when she took a jab at ICE in her speech. She won song of the yr for ‘Wildflower.’ It appeared on her 2024 album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft.’ The Los Angeles artist kept it raw and explicative when addressing ICE.
“Nobody is illegitimate on stolen land,” she said while accepting her Grammy award. Adding, “F*ck ICE is all I need to say.”
Billie Eilish says “f*ck ice” during her #Grammys acceptance speech: “No person is illegitimate on stolen land. We want to maintain fighting and speaking up. Our voices do matter.” pic.twitter.com/Sz1um3afYJ
— Variety (@Variety) February 2, 2026
Kehlani Uses First Grammy Win To Blast ICE
Kehlani folded ICE in her acceptance speech after her first-ever Grammy win! She was nominated twice for her poppin’ song, ‘Folded.’ She won in each categories including ‘Best R&B Performance’ and ‘Best R&B Song.’ In total, she’s had seven nominations.
Like Shaboozey, Kehlani’s wins and speech took place at the sooner Premiere ceremony. While accepting her first win—for R&B performance—she made her stance on ICE clear. Also, she encouraged others to be inspired to take a stand.
“And together, we’re stronger in numbers to talk against all of the injustice happening on the planet straight away,” Kehlani said toward the tip of her speech. “So as a substitute of letting or not it’s just a few you here and there, I hope everybody’s inspired to affix together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s happening. And imma leave this and say, f*ck ICE.”