Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Shaboozey and Olivia Dean all took one on Sunday night grammy took home and used their acceptance speeches to advocate for immigrants or criticize ICE.
The singer, a frequent critic of the Trump administration and previously denouncing ICE’s deadly operations in Minneapolis, was both thoughtful and outspoken in her song of the year acceptance speech.
“No one is on stolen land illegally,” Eilish said, before acknowledging how difficult it can be to know what to do in times like these. “I think we just have to keep fighting and speaking out and protesting because our voices really matter and people matter,” Eilish said. Before leaving the stage, she declared: “Fuck ICE.”
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean ended her acceptance speech for the best newcomer award by pointing out that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant. “I was born of courage, and I think these people deserve to be celebrated,” she said.
Bad Bunny, ICE and hate
Bad Bunny probably had the most pointed and powerful words when he accepted the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album: “Before I thank God, I say ‘ICE out’.” The musician, who decided not to tour the US out of fear that ICE would target attendees, gave a passionate speech against hate. “It’s hard not to hate these days,” he said. “Hate only gets stronger with more hate. The only thing stronger than hate is love. That’s why we have to be different. When we fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people, we love our family, and that’s how you have to do it – with love. Please don’t forget that.”
Speaking to reporters backstage after winning Record of the Year for “Luther,” her blockbuster hit with Kendrick Lamar, SZA couldn’t contain herself. “It is incredibly dystopian that we can dress up and celebrate awards in the material world while people are being abducted and shot on the streets,” she said. It’s understandable to feel “anger and hopelessness,” she continued, but she’s not giving up. “I believe that this is a time where we as a community can dig deep within ourselves and really learn that it is not a time to count on others, but only on ourselves and our neighbors to protect ourselves. To support each other, to encourage each other, to provide mutual aid and to care for each other,” she said. “It always sucks with ICE, but my point is that I don’t want everyone to fall into despair, because when you lose morale, change becomes impossible, but it’s not. It really isn’t. I personally won’t leave. I won’t go into ruin in silence. That’s why I encourage everyone to stay.”
Lots of emotions at the Grammys
Before the main broadcast, Kehlani ended her acceptance speech for the Best R&B Performance award with a loud “Fuck ICE.” And Shaboozey dedicated his first Grammy — for best country duo/group performance for “Amen,” his collaboration with Jelly Roll — to the “children of immigrants.” The country star, whose parents are from Nigeria, continued: “This award is also for those who have come to this country in search of better opportunities, to become part of a nation that promises freedom for all and equal opportunities for all who are willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give color to America.”
Gloria Estefan said backstage that she was alarmed about the state of the country. After winning the Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album for “Raíces,” the five-time Grammy winner said she hopes “our government listens to our call for humanity.” “I’m scared. I’m very worried,” she added. “I don’t think anyone would say we want chaos at the border, but what’s happening now is not arresting criminals,” she said. “These are people who have families who have contributed to this country for decades, young children. Hundreds of children are in detention centers. This is inhumane.”
In addition to all the speeches, numerous artists showed up at the Grammys and walked the red carpet while wearing “ICE Out” buttons. These included Eilish, her brother and costar Finneas, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Brandi Carlile, Jack Antonoff, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Margo Price and Samara Joy.
