Bad Bunny’s Triumphant Night at the Grammys
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards unfolded on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, featuring star-studded appearances, standout performances, and a surge of political commentary from winners. Bad Bunny emerged as a major force, securing multiple awards, while the evening contrasted sharply with the subdued Golden Globes held the previous month.
Kendrick Lamar Sets the Tone with Record-Breaking Wins
Kendrick Lamar kicked off the ceremony by claiming the best rap album award for GNX, marking him as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. Later, he added record of the year for Luther, featuring SZA. Cher presented the award in a memorable moment, initially pausing awkwardly before announcing the winner. Lamar kept his acceptance speeches measured, steering clear of direct political remarks.
SZA followed with an emotional response, urging the audience: “Please don’t fall into despair, I know that right now is a scary time. We’re not governed by the government, we’re governed by God.”
Trevor Noah’s Hosting Delivers Sharp Political Jabs
Host Trevor Noah, in his sixth and final stint, infused the show with timely humor. He opened with a nod to Kendrick Lamar’s nine nominations, referencing the ongoing rap feud with Drake: “Congratulations; and that is all I’m going to say. I actually thought about writing a few jokes roasting you, but then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries.”
Noah also targeted absent rapper Nicki Minaj, quipping: “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.” He drew parallels between the song of the year award and the U.S. president, stating: “Wow, that is a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone. He needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.”
President Donald Trump responded on social media shortly after, vowing to “sue this poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C.”
Wave of Political Statements Dominates Acceptances
Political themes permeated the night, sparked by recent events including ICE detentions and shootings. Olivia Dean, winner of best new artist, highlighted her immigrant heritage: “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Jelly Roll, taking home contemporary country album for Beautifully Broken, declared: “Jesus is not owned by one political party.” Several artists, including Carole King, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, Rhiannon Giddens, Finneas, and Billie Eilish, wore anti-ICE pins. Billie Eilish, accepting song of the year for Wildflower, stated: “No one is illegal on stolen land. F–ck ICE.”
Bad Bunny’s Bold Anti-ICE Message
Bad Bunny made a resounding statement upon winning the música urbana album for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, his second of three victories that evening. He began: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out. We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.”
In a tearful album of the year acceptance for his all-Spanish release—the first of its kind—he dedicated the award: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.” This moment provided an emotional capstone to the politically charged proceedings.
Standout Performances and Other Victories
The ceremony, spanning over three hours, balanced politics with musical highlights. Lady Gaga secured best pop album for Mayhem and best dance pop recording for Abracadabra. Lola Young surprised by winning best pop solo performance over nominees like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.
Canadian talents shone through as well: Cirkut earned producer of the year, and Justin Gray took best immersive audio album. Performances included Justin Bieber’s intimate rendition of Yukon in boxers, a rock supergroup tribute to Ozzy Osbourne featuring Post Malone, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt, Slash, and Duff McKagan, and an opening duet of APT by Bruno Mars and Rosé. Lauryn Hill led a soulful homage to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo with R&B artists.
These elements underscored a night of artistic celebration intertwined with urgent social commentary, setting the Grammys apart from recent awards shows.
