Grammy Winners Rally for Immigrant Rights at 2026 Awards

The 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles became a platform for prominent artists to advocate for immigrant rights, with winners like Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean using their speeches to address pressing social issues. The event, held on February 5, 2026, featured powerful statements against the backdrop of ongoing criticisms of U.S. immigration policies.

During the ceremony, Olivia Dean, who won the Best New Artist award, highlighted her family’s immigrant history. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” said Dean, whose heritage includes British, Jamaican, and Guyanese roots. She emphasized the importance of celebrating the contributions of immigrants, stating, “We’re nothing without each other.”

Bad Bunny, who received a standing ovation for his acceptance speech after winning the Best Música Urbana Album, made a bold statement calling for the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from American cities. “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE OUT,” he declared, reinforcing the human aspect of immigration issues. The Puerto Rican artist, who also claimed the prestigious Album of the Year award, urged his peers to combat hate with love, stating, “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”

In his acceptance speech delivered in Spanish, Bad Bunny dedicated the award to “all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.” His upcoming performance as the halftime act at the Super Bowl has sparked controversy due to his heritage and language, underscoring ongoing debates about representation in mainstream media.

The conversation surrounding immigration was further amplified during the ceremony. Several stars, including Billie Eilish and Carole King, wore “ICE Out” pins to show solidarity. Eilish, accepting her Song of the Year award, remarked, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. She expressed a sense of hope, stating, “We just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter.”

Later in the show, Harvey Mason Jr., president and CEO of the Recording Academy, spoke about the role of music in difficult times, saying, “When words fail, music speaks.” This sentiment resonated with many artists who took the opportunity to share messages of hope and resilience.

While accepting the Record of the Year award alongside Kendrick Lamar, SZA urged listeners to remain hopeful despite challenging circumstances. “Please don’t fall into despair,” she said. “We can go on.” SZA’s words reflected a broader call for unity and trust among communities.

The Grammy Awards, traditionally a celebration of musical achievements, transformed into a platform for activism this year. As artists continue to use their influence to advocate for social justice, the intersection of music and important societal issues remains a focal point of discussion. The commitment to support immigrant rights, as demonstrated by these influential figures, highlights the ongoing relevance of these conversations in today’s society.