The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, evolved into a potent fusion of artistic celebration and political advocacy, with immigration policy emerging as a central theme. The ceremony honored musical legacies while witnessing historic victories and pointed criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Kendrick Lamar cemented his status in hip-hop history by securing his 26th Grammy for the rap album ‘GNX,’ surpassing Jay-Z’s longstanding record. ‘Hip-hop is always going to be right here… We’re gonna be having the culture with us,’ Lamar stated in his acceptance speech.
The night’s most resonant moments, however, were politically charged. Upon winning Song of the Year for ‘Wildflower,’ Billie Eilish declared from the stage, ‘No one is illegal on stolen land,’ before adding, ‘(Expletive) ICE.’ This sentiment was powerfully echoed by Bad Bunny after his win for best música urbana album for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos.’ He began his speech in English, proclaiming ‘ICE out’ to massive applause, and asserted, ‘We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.’
The anti-ICE messaging extended beyond the main awards. Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen and first-time winner Kehlani, who took home trophies for R&B performance and song, wore ‘ICE Out’ pins. Backstage, music icon Gloria Estefan expressed fear over the current political climate, noting, ‘There are hundreds of children in detention centers… I don’t recognize my country.’
Artistic tributes formed a core part of the evening. A powerful in memoriam segment celebrated the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. In a highly anticipated return, Ms. Lauryn Hill performed on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, joining Wyclef Jean for a Fugees medley honoring Flack. Other notable performances included Post Malone and rock legends paying homage to Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs.’
The 2026 ceremony was also marked by a record number of first-time winners. Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, emotionally dedicated her win to her immigrant grandmother, stating she was ‘a product of bravery.’ The award for best contemporary country album went to Jelly Roll for ‘Beautifully Broken,’ while Lady Gaga won pop vocal album for ‘Mayhem.’
In a surprising pre-show development, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for an audiobook narration, and director Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status by winning for the music film ‘Music for John Williams.’ The show was broadcast live on CBS and available via major streaming platforms.