History-making and first-time winners like Bad Bunny and Kehlani were hot topics at the 2026 Grammys. But another topic also took center stage: ICE. Grammy winners used one of music’s biggest award shows to take a stand against anti-immigration operations taking place 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 own roots.
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Bad Bunny Wins ‘AOTY’ 3 Years After First Nomination
Late in the 2026 Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny won album of the year for his hit project, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos.’ His win is the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the top 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 year, who was nominated for ‘Un Verano Sin Ti,’ — the first time a Spanish-language album was in the category.
Three years later, Bad Bunny was back in 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, believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than 100 by 35,” he said in his acceptance speech in Spanish, referring to a Puerto Rican colloquialism about the island’s small size. “And there is nothing we can’t achieve. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career.
“To all the people who worked on this album, thank you mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I love you,” he continued. Then he switched to English: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.”
Bad Bunny During His First Speech: “ICE Out”
Earlier in 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 thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said, starting out his speech in English to huge applause. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
In a few days, he will take the Super Bowl Halftime stage, and the whole world is itching to know how he’s coming and who will pop out with him! Recently, DHS confirmed that ICE agents will 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 New Artist’ acceptance speech. The 26-year-old is a first-time Grammys winner, performer and attendee. She’s had folks in a chokehold 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 live on CBS, she acknowledged her immigrant roots.
“I never really imagined that I would 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 am a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Olivia Dean’s speech accepting her Best New 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 live on CBS when she took a jab at ICE in her speech. She won song of the year 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.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said while accepting her Grammy award. Adding, “F*ck ICE is all I want to say.”
Billie Eilish says "f*ck ice" during her #Grammys acceptance speech: "Nobody is illegal on stolen land. We need to keep 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 their acceptance speech after their first-ever Grammy win! They were nominated twice for their poppin’ song, ‘Folded.’ They won in both categories including ‘Best R&B Performance’ and ‘Best R&B Song.’ In total, they’ve had seven nominations.
Like Shaboozey, Kehlani’s wins and speech took place at the earlier Premiere ceremony. While accepting their first win—for R&B performance—they made their stance on ICE clear. Also, they encouraged others to be inspired to take a stand.
“And together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now,” Kehlani said. “So instead of letting it be just a couple of you here and there, I hope everybody’s inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on. And imma leave this and say, f*ck ICE.”
