Grammys 2026: Eilish, Lamar, and Dean Triumph Amidst Anti-ICE Protests and Speeches
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Carla Rooney
Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar claimed top honours at the 2026 Grammy Awards, but the night's celebrations were frequently interrupted by impassioned protests and speeches targeting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Billie Eilish grabbed Song of the Year honors while Kendrick Lamar and SZA seized Record of the Year for 'luther'. Lady Gaga secured Best Pop Vocal Album for 'MAYHEM', and Lola Young took Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Messy'.
Olivia Dean dedicated her Best New Artist trophy to her immigrant grandmother. She insisted that artists fail without their teams and demanded society celebrate immigrant contributions.
No one is illegal on stolen land.
Anti-ICE sentiment dominated the ceremony beyond the golden trophies. Celebrities donned 'ICE out' pins and used the podium to blast the federal agency.
Kehlani voiced fierce opposition with a blunt curse against the agency. She called silence 'brainless' when the industry's most powerful voices occupy one room.
Bad Bunny delivered a stinging rebuke while accepting Album of the Year for 'DeBí TiRAR Más FOToS'. He rejected labels like 'savage' or 'alien', asserting that his people are human and American.
The outcry follows fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents. ICE agents killed Renee Good on January 7, and federal officers shot Alex Pretti on January 24.
President Donald Trump deployed these agents into U.S. cities for a mass deportation push. This initiative sparked the current firestorm of public and artistic rage.
The administration launched these deportation efforts in 2017. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows the removal of nearly 3 million people by 2026.
Lauryn Hill electrified the crowd with her first Grammy performance in 27 years. She reunited with Wyclef Jean for a historic set that shook the room.
Hill led a somber tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack. A choir of stars joined her to cover D'Angelo’s classic hits.
Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton, and Leon Thomas joined the memorial. Bilal and Jon Batiste rounded out the group to honor these musical legacies.
Reba McEntire made her long-awaited Grammy performance debut. Her appearance marked a massive win for country music on the global stage.
Alex Warren fought through technical glitches during the Best New Artist medley. He finished his set despite the audio hurdles.
Jelly Roll claimed Best Contemporary Country Album for 'Beautifully Broken'. The win cements the genre's growing grip on the mainstream market.
Police arrested Killer Mike at the venue following a reported clash with a security guard. The incident added a sharp edge of controversy to his night.