The 68th Grammy Awards unfolded with high-profile stars, standout performances, and a surge of political messages from winners, marking a vibrant contrast to the subdued Golden Globes the previous month. Held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, the ceremony highlighted Bad Bunny’s remarkable success alongside pointed commentary on current events.
Kendrick Lamar Sets Records with Multiple Wins
Kendrick Lamar opened the night strongly by securing the best rap album award for GNX, solidifying his position as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. Later, he claimed record of the year for Luther, featuring SZA. Cher presented the award in a memorable moment, initially pausing awkwardly before announcing the winner. Lamar kept his speech neutral, steering clear of direct political remarks, much like his earlier address.
SZA followed, urging the audience with, “Please don’t fall into despair, I know that right now is a scary time. We’re not governed by the government, we’re governed by God.”
Political Statements Dominate Acceptance Speeches
Host Trevor Noah, in his sixth and final stint, infused the evening with timely humor. He referenced rapper Nicki Minaj’s absence, joking, “She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.” Noah also compared the song of the year award to the president, quipping, “Wow, that is a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone. He needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.”
The political tone persisted throughout. Olivia Dean, winner of best new artist, shared, “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.” Jelly Roll, taking home contemporary country album for Beautifully Broken, declared, “Jesus is not owned by one political party.”
Several artists, including Carole King, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, Rhiannon Giddens, Finneas, and Billie Eilish, wore anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement pins. Eilish, accepting song of the year for Wildflower, stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” adding emphatically, “F–ck ICE.”
Bad Bunny made a bold declaration while accepting his música urbana album award for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, one of his three wins that night. He proclaimed, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out. We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.”
These statements reflected a broader shift, especially following recent events like the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos by ICE agents, the shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, and the arrest of journalist Don Lemon—incidents absent from the apolitical Golden Globes.
Standout Performances and Other Victories
The three-hour show balanced politics with music highlights. Noah touched on the ongoing rap feud between Lamar and Drake, congratulating Lamar on his nine nominations while noting, “I actually thought about writing a few jokes roasting you, but then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries.”
Lady Gaga earned best pop album for Mayhem, her second win after best dance pop recording for Abracadabra. Canadian talents shone too: Cirkut won producer of the year, and Justin Gray took best immersive audio album.
Performances energized the crowd. Justin Bieber delivered a raw rendition of Yukon in boxers, despite no wins in his four nominations. A supergroup featuring Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Andrew Watt, Slash, and Duff McKagan honored Ozzy Osbourne. Bruno Mars and Rosé launched the night with APT, while Lauryn Hill led a tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo with R&B luminaries.
Lola Young surprised by winning best pop solo performance over Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.
Bad Bunny’s Emotional Album of the Year Triumph
The night peaked with Bad Bunny’s tearful acceptance of album of the year for his all-Spanish release—the first of its kind to claim the honor. In English, he dedicated it, saying, “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.” As music swelled, the ceremony concluded on a poignant note.
