By Gloria Ogbonna
Bad Bunny closed out the 2026 Grammy Awards with a historic and emotional victory, taking home album of the year in a night filled with surprises, political statements, and powerful performances.
The win marked a major milestone in Grammy history, as it is the first time a Spanish-language album has received the ceremony’s top honor.
Taking the stage to accept the award, Bad Bunny began his speech in Spanish with a heartfelt nod to his roots.
“Puerto Rico,” he said, before thanking those who believed in him, collaborated on the album, and supported him throughout his journey—especially his mother. He later switched to English to dedicate the award to immigrants and dreamers around the world.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The award was presented by Harry Styles, who won album of the year in 2023 for Harry’s House—the same year Bad Bunny was nominated for Un Verano Sin Ti, the first Spanish-language album ever nominated in the category. This year’s win felt like a full-circle moment for the global superstar.
A Night of Music and Messages
Immigration and identity emerged as strong themes throughout the night. Billie Eilish won song of the year for “Wildflower” from her 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft and used her acceptance speech to criticize U.S. immigration enforcement.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said. “(Expletive) ICE is all I want to say.”
Bad Bunny echoed similar sentiments earlier in the evening when he accepted the award for best música urbana album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Starting his speech in English, he declared, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out,” prompting cheers from the crowd.
He went on to emphasize the humanity of immigrants, saying, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Before Bad Bunny’s album of the year win, Olivia Dean was named best new artist. Fighting back tears, she reflected on her background as the granddaughter of an immigrant. “I’m a product of bravery,” she said. “And I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Big Wins and Record-Breaking Moments
Kendrick Lamar and SZA won record of the year for “Luther” during a high-energy ceremony. The award was presented by Cher, who briefly misspoke by referencing Luther Vandross, prompting laughter and a tribute from producer Sounwave to the late R&B legend.
Lamar also won rap album of the year for GNX, accepting the award from Queen Latifah and Doechii. With multiple wins on the night, Lamar surpassed Jay-Z to become the rapper with the most Grammy Awards in history, bringing his total to 27.
Lady Gaga won best pop vocal album for Mayhem, joking that she still has to “pinch” herself every time she steps onto the Grammy stage. Lola Young claimed pop solo performance for “Messy,” delivering a playful, unprepared speech that matched the song’s energy.
Jelly Roll won the inaugural contemporary country album award for Beautifully Broken, following the Recording Academy’s decision to split the country category into contemporary and traditional formats. He used his speech to thank God and speak about the life-changing power of music.
Pharrell Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, thanking the room for believing in the power of Black music. Cher was also honored with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a characteristically candid speech. “I’ve been in this business for 60 (expletive) years,” she said. “Never give up on your dreams.”
A Show-Stopping Live Experience
The ceremony featured a moving in memoriam segment honoring the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. Ms. Lauryn Hill returned to the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, delivering a stunning tribute alongside artists including Jon Batiste, John Legend, Chaka Khan, and Wyclef Jean.
Tyler, the Creator delivered one of the night’s most avant-garde performances, blending theatrical visuals with a medley of “Thought I Was Dead,” “Like Him,” and “Sugar On My Tongue.”
Meanwhile, all eight best new artist nominees participated in a multi-stage medley that took viewers from backstage hallways to loading docks, showcasing a wide range of styles and sounds.
The show opened strong with Rosé and Bruno Mars performing their hit “APT.” Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga followed with standout performances that kept the energy high throughout the night.
Early Surprises and Political Undercurrents
Even before the main broadcast began, the Premiere Ceremony delivered unexpected moments. The Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for audiobook narration, while a K-pop track, “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, made history as the first K-pop song to win a Grammy.
Steven Spielberg also became an EGOT winner after Music for John Williams earned best music film.
Throughout the ceremony, artists continued to speak out against immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration. Several winners wore “ICE Out” pins, including songwriter Amy Allen and singer Kehlani, who won her first-ever Grammy for R&B performance and later for R&B song.
Backstage, Gloria Estefan summed up the mood of many artists. “I’m scared,” she said. “There are hundreds of children in detention centers. I don’t recognize my country in this moment.”
The 68th Grammy Awards proved to be more than a celebration of music it became a platform for history, activism, and voices demanding to be heard.
Source ABC7
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