Bad Bunny makes Grammy history as stars protest against ICE
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 the singer, 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 musicá 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.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish, winning song of the year for Wildflower, also addressed the turmoil gripping America.
“It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now,” she said.
“And I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.”
Wildflower, a sleeper hit from Eilish’s 2024 album Hit Me Hard And Soft, became her third track to win song of the year this decade.
She previously won in 2020 for her breakthrough single, Bad Guy, and in 2021 for the ballad Everything I Wanted. (BBC News)
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