Bad Bunny Makes Grammy History While Advocating for Immigrant Rights

Mon Feb 02 2026 20:52:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny became the first Latin artist to win album of the year, dedicating his triumph to immigrants amidst widespread protests against ICE.

Bad Bunny achieved a groundbreaking win at the 2026 Grammy Awards, becoming the first Latin artist to secure the album of the year with 'Debí Tirar Mas Fotos'. His emotional speech highlighted the struggles of immigrants, echoing sentiments shared by fellow artists like Olivia Dean and Billie Eilish, who also voiced support for immigrant rights during the ceremony. The event showcased not only musical achievements but also a powerful stand against ICE enforcement amidst a climate of advocacy for social justice.

Bad Bunny has become the first Latin artist to win album of the year in the 68-year history of the Grammy Awards, at a ceremony where dozens of stars railed against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The shape-shifting musician beat Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar to win the night's top prize for his sixth album, Debí Tirar Mas Fotos, a personal and powerful exploration of Puerto Rico's musical history.

The 31-year-old, who will headline next week's Super Bowl half-time show, dedicated the award to immigrants who leave their home, land, their country, to follow their dreams.

British singer Olivia Dean, who was named best new artist, also used her speech to defend immigrants.

I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, said Dean, whose grandmother Carmen was part of the Windrush generation. I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We're nothing without each other.

Stars including Kehlani, Gloria Estefan and Billie Eilish also spoke in support of immigrants, while many musicians wore badges reading ICE out on the red carpet.

Meanwhile, other British winners included Lola Young, Yungblud, FKA Twigs, Cynthia Erivo and The Cure.

Bad Bunny, real name Benito Ocasio, seemed to be stunned when Harry Styles read out his name for the album of the year prize. He took a few moments to collect himself before walking to the stage, and there were tears in his eyes during his speech.

Earlier, winning the prize for best música urbana album, he had spoken more directly about his feelings towards immigration enforcement. Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out, he said, referencing weeks of tension in Minneapolis, including the deaths of two civilians.

He added, We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans.

Bad Bunny took home three awards in all - a significant milestone for Latin music which, for many years, was sidelined by the Anglophone music industry. Accepting album of the year, the artist addressed the themes of grief and loss that informed his latest record (whose title translates as I should have taken more photos). For all the people who have lost someone close to them and had to continue forward with lots of strength, this award is for you, he said in Spanish.

This year's awards also highlighted the powerful voices of artists taking a stand for social issues, emphasizing that music and activism often go hand in hand in a world facing numerous challenges.