Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny and SZA use Grammy stage to protest against ICE. Emotional speeches, clear messages – the most important moments of the award ceremony.
At the Grammy Awards on Sunday evening, February 1st, several award winners used their acceptance speeches to make political statements. Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Shaboozey and Olivia Dean were among the artists who used their platform to speak out on immigration issues amid increased anti-immigrant measures by the Trump administration.
Bad Bunny: “ICE out” and appeal for love instead of hate
Bad Bunny made a clear statement in his acceptance speech for the Grammy in the “Best Música Urbana Album” category. The Puerto Rican artist’s speech began with the words: “Before I say ‘Thank God,’ I say, ‘ICE out.'”
The musician, who skipped a US tour due to safety concerns, made an emotional appeal to the audience: “It’s hard not to hate these days. Hate only gets stronger with more hate. The only thing more powerful 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 the right way – with love.”
Billie Eilish: “Nobody is illegal on stolen land”
Billie Eilish, who has criticized the Trump administration in the past, also used her speaking time at the “Song of the Year” award to send a political message. “No one is on stolen land illegally,” explained the singer, speaking about the challenges of the current situation.
She emphasized the importance of active engagement: “I think we just have to keep fighting and speaking out and protesting, and our voices really matter, and people matter.” Her speech ended with a direct condemnation of the deportation authorities.
Olivia Dean, SZA and other artists in solidarity
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean referenced her family roots in her acceptance speech for Best New Artist: “I’m the granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of courage, and I think these people deserve to be celebrated.”
After winning Record of the Year for Luther, SZA was critical of the social situation in a press interview: “It’s incredibly dystopian that we can dress up and celebrate awards in the material world while people are picked up on the street and shot in the face.”
The artist called for people not to despair: “I think this is a time where we as a community can dig deep and really learn: OK, this is not the time to rely on anyone other than ourselves and our neighbors to keep us safe.”
Shaboozey and Gloria Estefan pay tribute to immigrants
Country artist Shaboozey dedicated his first Grammy — for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Jelly Roll — to the “children of immigrants.” The musician, whose parents are from Nigeria, acknowledged the cultural contribution of immigrants: “This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunities. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here.”
Gloria Estefan, winner of the “Best Tropical Latin Album” for “Raíces”, expressed her concern about the current development in an interview: “I’m scared. I’m very worried. I don’t think anyone would say we want chaos at the border, but what’s happening is not the behavior of criminals. These are people who have families who have contributed to this country for decades, small children.”
Kehlani also ended her acceptance speech for the “Best R&B Performance” award with a clear statement against the deportation authorities.
“ICE Out” badges as a visible symbol on the red carpet
In addition to the verbal statements, numerous artists also demonstrated their solidarity visually. Appearing on the red carpet included Billie Eilish, her brother and collaborator Finneas, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Brandi Carlile, Jack Antonoff, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Margo Price and Samara Joy wearing “ICE Out” pins.
The coordinated effort shows that a significant portion of the music industry is using the Grammy platform to spread political messages and draw attention to social concerns.
