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Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the Grammy Awards in historic first for Spanish-language albums
Many artists dedicated their award-acceptance speeches to criticise US President Donald Trump’s administration over immigration operations, as the outrage over ICE’s fatal shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis continues to ensue.
Bad Bunny won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, closing out a surprising and history-making night, where for the first time, a Spanish-language album has taken home the top prize.
“Puerto Rico,” Bad Bunny started his speech in Spanish, thanking those who believed in him, worked on the album and his mom.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams,” he said in English after receiving the award from English singer Harry Styles, who previously took home the top prize in 2023 for “Harry’s House”.
Anti-ICE messages from the stage
A recurring theme in this year’s Grammys was the music industry’s widespread disapproval of immigration operations plaguing the US, which have garnered nationwide outrage after ICE fatally shot two US citizens in the state of Minnesota in January.
Many artists chose to use their award-acceptance speeches to deliver a strong message against ICE, calling for respect, understanding and humane treatment.
Bad Bunny, after winning the top award for his zeitgeist-shaping album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” used his speech to share an anti-ICE message, highlighting the humanity of all people.
“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.”
Billie Eilish won song of the year for “Wildflower” and used the moment to add her voice to the chorus of musicians criticising immigration authorities on Sunday.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said while accepting the award for the song from her 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft”. “F*** ICE is all I want to say.”
A similar message was echoed by rising artist Olivia Dean, who took home the prize for best new artist at this year’s Grammys.
“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.”
Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and more win big
Kendrick Lamar and Sza won record of the year on Sunday’s electric ceremony for their song “Luther”. Cher presented the award and mistakenly said it goes to “Luther Vandross” instead of Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their single.
One of the song’s producers, Sounwave, began the acceptance speech by saying, “Let’s give a shoutout to the late and great Luther Vandross.”
Lamar also won the first televised award of the night, rap album for “GNX,” accepting the trophy from Queen Latifah and Doechii.
“It’s an honour to be here,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Hip-hop is always going to be right here. We’re gonna be having the culture with us.”
The victory means Lamar broke Jay-Z’s record to become the rapper with the most career Grammys. After taking home rap album and record of the year, Lamar’s Grammy awards total 27, narrowly edging out Jay-Z’s 25.
Pop vocal album went to Lady Gaga for “Mayhem.” “Every time I’m here, I still feel like I need to pinch myself,” said Gaga in her speech.
“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won song written for visual media at the Premiere Ceremony, marking the first time a K-pop act has won a Grammy.
Songwriters delivered their acceptance speech in both English and Korean, highlighting the song’s bilingual appeal.
