Grammys 2026: How Advocacy Won the Night
Calling ICE Out
Music at its best can be one of the most powerful forms of advocacy we have. Through pointed lyricism, stunning visuals, and even public speeches, we've seen how artists can use their very public platforms to inspire action among the masses.
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — operating under the Trump administration — continues to sow fear and confusion across American communities, we need that now more than ever.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards aired on CBS on February 1 — hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for the sixth time — and all throughout the night, several artists across genres raised their voices to let viewers know that they see what's happening in the world and refuse to sit by as ICE's terror campaign continues. Here are some snippets from some of their remarks:
SHABOOZEY
During his acceptance speech for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, singer and rapper Shaboozey tearfully dedicated his award to immigrants, saying, "Immigrants built this country, literally. Actually. So, this is for them, for all children of immigrants. This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity, to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and an equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories, and your traditions here. You give America color."
SAMARA JOY
Ahead of the show, jazz artist Samara Joy, who wore an "ICE OUT" pin on her dress, gave an interview to Variety, stating, "I want to stand up. I don't want to draw attention to myself all the time without recognizing the humanity between myself and all the people around the world who are experiencing such tragedies. So, I get to celebrate tonight. It's a privilege and an honor, but I want to speak out for those who can't."
OLIVIA DEAN
Accepting the Best New Artist award, singer-songwriter Olivia Dean honored her immigrant roots, saying, "I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn't be here. I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."
SZA
Singer-songwriter SZA joined Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave, Scott Bridgeway, Kamasi Washington, and Jack Antonoff on stage to accept the award for Record of the Year for "Luther," stating, "Please don't fall into despair. I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary and all is lost. There's been world wars, there's been plagues, and we have gone on. We can go on. We need each other."
Backstage, she went on to say, "It's incredibly dystopian that we're like dressed up and able to celebrate accolades and the material world, and people are getting snatched up and shot in the face on the street."
KEHLANI
While accepting the award for Best R&B Performance, singer-songwriter Kehlani urged artists to unite, saying, "Together, we're stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now. So, instead of letting it be just a couple few here and there, I hope everybody's inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what's going on."
BILLIE EILISH
Wearing an "ICE OUT" pin, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish declared during her Song of the Year acceptance speech, "No one is illegal on stolen land… I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting, and speaking up, and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter."
BAD BUNNY
"We're not savage. We're not animals. We're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans," said Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny as he accepted the Grammy award for his album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" in the Música Urbana album category.
On the heels of his upcoming Super Bowl LX performance on February 8, he also became the first artist to win the Album of the Year award for a Spanish-language release.
In the end, Black and Brown artists dominated categories last night, making history, and using their platforms for good. If you take away nothing else from last night's show, remember that beyond the past, our history is being written right now, on global stages, in studio booths, and through the voices of artists brave enough to speak their truth one song at a time, one public appearance at a time.