Grammy winners Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean hit out at ICE as they accept awards
The Grammy Awards turned overtly political this year as several high-profile winners used their acceptance speeches to condemn the actions of ICE, amid growing public anger over immigration enforcement across the United States.
Puerto Rican rapper and global superstar Bad Bunny was one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home Album of the Year and Best Música Urbana Album. He opened one of his speeches with the blunt phrase: “ICE out.”
Speaking passionately, Bad Bunny rejected dehumanising rhetoric around immigrants.
“We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said.
Later, while accepting the night’s top prize, he delivered most of his remarks in Spanish before dedicating the award to “all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.” His historic win marked the first time a Spanish-language album claimed Album of the Year.
Olivia Dean Emotional After Best New Artist Win
British singer Olivia Dean was visibly emotional as she accepted the Best New Artist award, one of the Grammys’ prestigious “big four” categories.
Wiping away tears, the 26-year-old spoke about her family’s immigrant roots:
“I’m up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Dean’s victory follows a breakout year powered by her chart-topping hit Man I Need.
Billie Eilish Urges Protest and Solidarity
Billie Eilish, who won Song of the Year for Wildflower, echoed the anti-ICE sentiment. Standing alongside her brother and collaborator Finneas, she told the audience:
“No one is illegal on stolen land.”
Eilish encouraged continued activism, adding that artists and audiences alike must “keep fighting, speaking up and protesting.”
Heightened Tensions and Celebrity Support
The political tone of the ceremony reflected widespread backlash against immigration operations linked to former president Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiative. Minneapolis has emerged as a focal point, with several recent fatal incidents involving federal officers intensifying protests.
Other stars, including Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, showed solidarity by wearing protest badges during the event.
Kendrick Lamar Makes Grammy History
The night also saw Kendrick Lamar become the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history. He won five awards in total, including Record of the Year for luther, his collaboration with SZA.
Other Highlights from a Historic Night
Lady Gaga won Best Pop Vocal Album and used her speech to encourage women in music to fight for their creative voices.
Lola Young secured Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy, adding to the UK’s strong showing.
A K-pop milestone was reached as Golden from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy.
Film director Steven Spielberg joined the elite EGOT club after winning Best Music Film for Music By John Williams.
Music, Protest and Legacy
From emotional tributes during the In Memoriam segment to outspoken political statements, this year’s Grammys blended celebration with protest. As Bad Bunny put it on stage, the ceremony became a reminder that music remains not just entertainment, but a powerful platform for identity, resistance and change.
