The 68th Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena wasn’t just a celebration of music—it was a stage for bold statements.
From the red carpet to the main stage, stars like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean used their moment in the spotlight to speak out on immigration and human rights, sending a powerful message that resonated beyond music.
Bad Bunny Takes Home Album of the Year
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, stole the show with a heartfelt victory for Album of the Year with DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he paused on stage with his head in his hands after the announcement.
But it wasn’t just tears—his speech carried a message: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.”
Earlier in the evening, Bad Bunny set the tone with a direct political statement, opening his acceptance for Best Música Urbana Album with the words “ICE out,” a reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He reminded the audience that immigrants and Puerto Ricans are not “savage, animals, or aliens” but Americans deserving of respect and love. His message of fighting hate with love earned him a standing ovation.
Billie Eilish Speaks Up on Song of the Year
Billie Eilish also used her platform to voice her convictions.
Winning Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, Eilish shared an emotional, politically charged speech with brother FINNEAS by her side.
She emphasized that “no one is illegal on stolen land” and encouraged continued advocacy, protest, and speaking out.
Her unfiltered declaration, censored on live TV, left no doubt about where she stands.
Olivia Dean Honors Her Roots
Emerging British talent Olivia Dean captured Best New Artist, taking a moment to highlight her immigrant heritage.
She dedicated her award to her grandmother, part of the Windrush Generation from Guyana, celebrating bravery and family.
Dean’s message reinforced a recurring theme of the night: music as a vehicle for social awareness and gratitude toward those who paved the way.
Kendrick Lamar’s Tribute to Luther Vandross
Kendrick Lamar added another highlight by winning Record of the Year for luther, featuring SZA.
He paid tribute to R&B legend Luther Vandross, whose vocals were sampled in the track, describing the emotional process of receiving estate clearance for the recording.
Lamar also secured Best Rap Album for GNX, cementing his remarkable night with multiple wins.
Lady Gaga Dominates the Pop Categories
Lady Gaga shined both on the stage and the red carpet.
She won Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM and Best Dance Pop Recording for Abracadabra.
Emotional and elegant, she acknowledged her partner Michael Polansky for his support during her recording process.
Gaga’s wins and theatrical red-carpet presence made her one of the night’s most memorable stars.
Breakout Performance: Lola Young
Unexpectedly, 25-year-old Lola Young snagged Best Pop Solo Performance for her track Messy.
Overjoyed and unprepared for her speech, she embraced the chaotic energy of her win, reflecting the heartfelt spontaneity that made the night feel genuine and alive.
Jelly Roll and Country Music’s Emotional Night
Jelly Roll earned Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, sharing his journey from incarceration to personal redemption.
His speech emphasized faith, resilience, and the transformative power of music, resonating deeply with fans and fellow artists.
Memorable Performances and Moments
The ceremony opened with a high-energy collaboration from Bruno Mars and ROSÉ on APT., while Justin Bieber surprised the audience with a raw, stripped-down performance of Yukon, shirtless in gym shorts.
His set, dedicated to his wife Hailey Bieber, sparked conversation online for both its vulnerability and wardrobe choice.
Tributes added emotional weight, including a moving in memoriam for Ozzy Osbourne, with the Osbourne family visibly moved, and Lauryn Hill honoring the late D’Angelo.
The night balanced celebration with poignant recognition of music legends and their legacies.
Star-Studded Red Carpet Highlights
Hollywood’s biggest names turned heads on the red carpet.
Sabrina Carpenter honored Valentino Garavani with a vintage-inspired gown, Lady Gaga dazzled in a black feathered ensemble, and Zara Larsson impressed in a meticulously beaded yellow outfit.
Country stars Kelsea Ballerini and Tyla brought glamour, while political statements were made by several, including Justin and Hailey Bieber, all wearing “ICE OUT” pins.
Full Winners at a Glance
Album of the Year: Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar with SZA – luther
Song of the Year: Billie Eilish – WILDFLOWER
Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
Other notable wins included: Lady Gaga – MAYHEM (Best Pop Vocal Album), Lola Young – Messy (Best Pop Solo Performance), Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken (Best Contemporary Country Album), and Kendrick Lamar – GNX (Best Rap Album).
From advocacy to artistry, the 2026 Grammys blended musical achievement with socially conscious messages, ensuring the ceremony left a lasting mark well beyond the awards themselves.
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