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At this year’s Grammys, several headline performers turned acceptance speeches into political statements, using the spotlight to challenge immigration policies and humanize migrants. A wave of chants, pins and heartfelt pleas passed through the theater and across red carpets, leaving a clear message: artists are asking the public to see immigrants as people and to act.
Bad Bunny’s moment: a stadium chant and a call for compassion
When Bad Bunny accepted the award for Best Música Urbana Album, he kicked off his remarks with a rallying cry of “ICE out!”. The phrase earned a thunderous standing ovation. He then shifted to a personal, emotional appeal that rejected dehumanizing labels for migrants and urged people to resist hatred.
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What he emphasized on stage
- He reminded listeners that migrants are human beings with rights and dignity.
- He warned that hate amplifies hate and urged a different path.
- He framed love and solidarity as the more powerful response.
Billie Eilish presses the point during her acceptance
During her brief speech after winning Song of the Year, Billie Eilish used the platform to spotlight the crisis at the border. She refused simple platitudes and instead encouraged continued protest and public pressure.
She affirmed that people should not be reduced to the label “illegal” and expressed hope at the willingness of artists and fans to keep speaking out.
Voices from the Latin music community in the pre-show
Several Latino artists used the pre-telecast moments to highlight the human toll of immigration enforcement. Olivia Dean, who traced her identity to immigrant grandparents, framed her success as born of bravery and urged recognition for those who made sacrifices.
Gloria Estefan, accepting her own award, spotlighted families and children affected by detention policies and called for greater compassion and political change.
Artists on the red carpet and in the workroom
The activism didn’t stop on stage. Musicians and attendees chose visible signs of solidarity. Pins and slogans spread across the red carpet, and artists expanded on their remarks in media spaces.
- Kehlani closed her award speech with a blunt call for artists to unite and speak out.
- Shaboozey thanked immigrants for shaping the nation’s culture and music, and cited his own Nigerian roots.
- Others, including Justin Bieber, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, and Samara Joy, were photographed wearing “ICE OUT” pins.
How artists are urging fans to respond
The repeated appeal across multiple speeches was practical and moral. Performers asked audiences to:
- Keep protesting and demanding humane policy.
- Speak up for families and children in detention.
- Reject dehumanizing language and choose compassion.
- Celebrate the contributions of immigrant communities.
Where to find the full list of winners
For a complete rundown of Grammy winners and more coverage of the night’s speeches, check the event’s official winners list and ongoing reporting.
