This year’s 68th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles wasn’t just about glamorous outfits and chart-topping hits — it became a stage for a bold artistic protest that drew global attention.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made one of the night’s most unforgettable statements. After winning Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, he set aside the usual thank-you list and spoke directly to the crowd and millions watching at home.
“Before I say thanks to God,” he began, “I’m gonna say: ICE out.” The audience erupted in cheers as he continued, stressing that “we’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans and we are Americans.”
Bad Bunny accepts the award for Album of the Year for “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Bad Bunny’s powerful moment came on the heels of his historic night: he not only celebrated a major Grammy win but also became one of the most talked-about figures of the evening — and he’s set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show next week, adding even more spotlight to his message.
But he wasn’t alone.
Billie Eilish, who took home Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower,” used her acceptance speech to make a clear statement about inclusion and protest. Standing with her brother and co-writer Finneas, she said, “F*** ICE, No one is illegal on stolen land” and urged listeners to speak up and stay engaged. Her comments, including a strong remark directed at ICE, drew both cheers from the crowd and attention online.
Meanwhile, Kehlani — fresh off wins for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song — didn’t hold back either. She wore an “ICE Out” pin on the red carpet and used her speech to call for unity and activism, emphasizing that artists have a platform and a responsibility to reflect the times.
And across the ceremony, other artists echoed similar sentiments: from Olivia Dean, recognized as best new artist, shared that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant — people who she said “deserve to be celebrated.” Expletives flew as ICE got cursed multiple times by winners including Kehlani.
What made this year’s Grammys different wasn’t just the number of awards or big winners — it was how artists blended their creative success with a broader message. The show became not only a celebration of music but also a platform for political expression, with performers and winners using visibility to spotlight issues that matter to them and their communities.