He emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and urged viewers to remember that “love is the only force stronger than hate.”
LOS ANGELES — At the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, Bad Bunny clinched the award for his influential album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” in the música urbana category.
With just a week to go before his highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, took the opportunity during his acceptance speech to deliver a powerful message against ICE, underscoring the human dignity of everyone.
Starting his speech in English to a roaring crowd, he declared, “Before I thank God, I want to say ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.” His words were met with enthusiastic applause.
As he held his fourth Grammy award, Bad Bunny spoke directly to his audience, sharing a heartfelt plea.
“I want to tell everyone, I know it’s hard not to fall into hate these days, and I’ve been reflecting on that,” he expressed. “Hate only grows stronger with more hate. Love is the only force that can overcome it. So, we must tackle our battles with love. We don’t hate them; we love our people, we love our families. That’s the way forward, with love. Let’s not forget that. Thank you.”
He wasn’t the only artist making political statements at the award show Sunday. Some
Before his win, Olivia Dean took home the trophy for best new artist.
“I never really imagined that I would be up here,” she said, receiving her first Grammy while wiping away tears. “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here… I am a product of bravery and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”
At the Premiere Ceremony, artists offered pro-immigration and anti-ICE messaging.
Country duo/group performance went to first-time winners Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Shaboozey accepted the award with tears in his eyes. “I want to thank my mother, who as of today, has retired from her job of 30 years… working as a registered nurse in a psych ward… as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom.”
“Immigrants built this country, literally, actually. So, this for them,” he concluded. “Thank you for bring your culture, your music and your stories.”
Amy Allen won songwriter of the year, nonclassical for a second year in a row and wore an “ICE Out” pin, an anti-immigration enforcement message. So did Kehlani – who won her first Grammy for R&B performance and later, her second, for R&B song.
“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling,” she said as she fought back tears, reflecting on her first nomination 10 years ago. Then she shifted gears to focus on the current political moment: “Imma leave this and say, (expletive) ICE.”
“I’m scared,” Gloria Estefan said of the current political moment backstage at the Grammys. “There are hundreds of children in detention centers. … I don’t recognize my country in this moment right now.”
Bad Bunny will perform at the Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show next week
The Puerto Rican is fresh off a historic Puerto Rico residency that drew more than half a million fans and is leading all nominees at the Latin Grammys in November. He has become one of the world’s most streamed artists with albums such as “Un Verano Sin Ti,” an all-Spanish-language LP.
Bad Bunny will headline the Feb. 8, 2026, show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., home of the San Francisco 49ers. The 2026 Super Bowl will air on NBC.
The 31-year-old artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys. He has become a global ambassador for Latin music, starred in films such as “Bullet Train,” “Caught Stealing” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” and collaborated with top fashion houses. He’ll enter the Latin Grammys as the leading nominee with 12, dethroning producer and songwriter Édgar Barrera.
The halftime show has become one of the most-watched musical events globally, regularly drawing more than 100 million viewers and dominating social media conversation during and after the performance.
The Associated Press and Megan Divers contributed to this report.
