A Defiant Start Shakes the Arena (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Los Angeles – Bad Bunny captured the spotlight at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards by opening his acceptance speech with a direct challenge to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.[1][2]
A Defiant Start Shakes the Arena
The Puerto Rican superstar claimed the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for his work Debí Tirar Más Fotos at Crypto.com Arena on February 1.[2] He stepped to the microphone and declared, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.”[1][3] The crowd erupted immediately, delivering a 30-second standing ovation that underscored the moment’s impact.[1]
Bad Bunny pressed on with a message of shared humanity. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he stated.[4] He addressed rising tensions, noting, “I know it’s tough to not hate these days… The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love.”[3] His call to respond with love rather than division resonated deeply. “If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people. We love our family,” he concluded.[2]
Backdrop of National Unrest
The remarks arrived amid intensified ICE operations under the Trump administration. Protests swept major cities, including Los Angeles, over the weekend.[2] Recent clashes in Minneapolis drew widespread attention, including the fatal shootings of American citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti.[4][3]
Bad Bunny had voiced similar concerns before. He skipped U.S. dates on his recent world tour, citing fears of ICE presence at concerts. In a September interview with i-D magazine, he explained the decision stemmed from safety worries rather than animosity.[3] His history includes critiques of immigration policies, such as in his music video “NuevaYol.”[3]
Wave of Artist Solidarity
The evening featured broader support for the cause. Several performers and attendees signaled their stance against ICE.
- Billie Eilish donned an “ICE OUT” pin and condemned the agency’s actions during her time onstage.[2]
- Olivia Dean, accepting Best New Artist, shared, “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant… I am a product of bravery and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”[2]
- Jack Antonoff also wore an “ICE OUT” pin in solidarity.[2]
These gestures amplified Bad Bunny’s words, turning the Grammys into a platform for dialogue on immigration.
Triumphs and Horizons Ahead
Bad Bunny emerged as a top winner, securing three awards that night, including nods for album of the year and global music performance.[3] Host Trevor Noah highlighted his prominence, joking about the singer’s packed schedule.
Next up, Bad Bunny headlines the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8. His Grammy platform now sets the stage for that massive audience.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Bad Bunny won Best Música Urbana Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos amid multiple accolades.
- His “ICE out” opener prompted a 30-second standing ovation.
- Multiple artists voiced anti-ICE sentiments, reflecting industry mood.
Bad Bunny’s speech stood as a testament to music’s role in bridging divides through compassion. What do you think of his call for love over hate? Tell us in the comments.
