Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny made Grammy history on Sunday night while using his moment on music’s biggest stage to deliver a pointed political statement against US immigration enforcement under the slogan “ICE OUT”.
He became the first artist to win Album of the Year with a Spanish-language release for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’. However, it was his outspoken criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement that dominated conversation long after the ceremony ended.
Accepting the award for Best Música Urbana Album earlier in the evening, Bad Bunny departed from traditional speech etiquette to issue a direct rebuke. “Before I thank God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he told the audience, drawing loud cheers from the arena.
“We are not savages. We are not animals. We are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” The remarks came amid heated national debate over immigration enforcement and mass raids across the US.
Later, visibly emotional, Bad Bunny returned to the stage to accept Album of the Year, speaking largely in Spanish. Switching briefly to English, he dedicated the award to migrants forced to leave their homes in pursuit of opportunity. “This is for everyone who had to leave their country to follow their dreams,” he said.
Debí Tirar Más Fotos explores Puerto Rican identity through the lens of colonial history and displacement, blending folkloric sounds with salsa and reggaeton. The album’s themes aligned closely with the message Bad Bunny chose to amplify onstage.
Several attendees echoed his stance, wearing “ICE OUT” badges, including legendary singer Joni Mitchell, who won Best Historical Album.
Host Trevor Noah repeatedly referenced Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, joking about contractual limits on live performances. Despite the restrictions, Bad Bunny delivered a brief vocal moment from his seat, drawing a warm response from the crowd.
The ceremony also featured performances from Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and Lauryn Hill, along with tributes to artists who passed away over the past year. Most of the 95 awards were presented during the pre-telecast ceremony.
