Bad Bunny made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the first Latin artist to win album of the year in the ceremony’s 68-year history, as dozens of musicians used the night to criticise the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The genre-defying star beat Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar to claim the top honour for his sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Mas Fotos, a deeply personal record that traces and celebrates Puerto Rico’s musical heritage.
The 31-year-old artist, who is set to headline next week’s Super Bowl half-time show, dedicated the award to immigrants who “leave their home, their land, their country, to chase their dreams”.
British singer Olivia Dean, who won best new artist, also spoke passionately in support of immigrants during her acceptance speech.
“I’m standing here as the granddaughter of an immigrant,” said Dean, whose grandmother Carmen was part of the Windrush generation.
“I’m the result of courage, and I think those people deserve to be honoured. We are nothing without one another.”
Other artists, including Kehlani, Gloria Estefan and Billie Eilish, echoed similar messages, while many attendees wore “ICE out” badges on the red carpet.
British winners on the night included Lola Young, Yungblud, FKA Twigs, Cynthia Erivo and The Cure.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Ocasio, appeared visibly shocked when Harry Styles announced his name as the album of the year winner. He paused to gather himself before heading to the stage, tears welling up as he spoke.
Earlier in the evening, after winning best música urbana album, he addressed immigration enforcement more directly.
“Before I thank God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he said, referring to recent tensions in Minneapolis that included the deaths of two civilians.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We’re human beings, and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas also took home song of the year for Wildflower, marking Eilish’s third win in the category since 2020.
Speaking on stage, Eilish reflected on the unrest across the US.
“It’s really hard to know what to say or what to do right now,” she said.
“But we have to keep fighting, keep speaking out, and keep protesting. Our voices matter, and people matter.”
Wildflower, a slow-burning hit from Eilish’s 2024 album Hit Me Hard And Soft, follows her previous song of the year wins for Bad Guy in 2020 and Everything I Wanted in 2021.
Host Trevor Noah draws Trump’s anger
After congratulating Eilish, host Trevor Noah referenced Donald Trump’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein, following renewed attention on files that mention the former president.
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has not been accused by Epstein’s victims.
Noah joked that Trump wanted to take ownership of Greenland because “since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out on”.
Trump later responded online, saying he had “never been to Epstein Island, or anywhere near it”, and claimed Noah’s comment was “false and defamatory”.
He added that he planned to instruct his lawyers to sue the “pathetic, talentless” host, warning: “Get ready, Noah — I’m going to have some fun with you.”
