Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards by winning the Album of the Year for his album, which marks the first time a Spanish-language album has achieved this prestigious honor. The ceremony took place on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, closing out a night filled with significant surprises and memorable moments.
Beginning his acceptance speech in Spanish, Bad Bunny expressed gratitude to those who believed in him, contributed to the album, and particularly thanked his mother. Transitioning to English, he dedicated his award "to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams."
The award for Album of the Year was presented by Harry Styles, who himself won the top prize in 2023 for his album "Harry's House." The emphasis on immigration and humanity was a recurring theme throughout the evening, resonating deeply with the audience.
Billie Eilish also seized her moment, winning the Song of the Year for "Wildflower." Her acceptance speech included a pointed message against immigration enforcement, declaring, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” followed by a strong condemnation of ICE. Bad Bunny echoed similar sentiments, stating, “ICE out” during his emotional address, emphasizing the humanity of immigrants.
In addition to Bad Bunny’s major win, Kendrick Lamar and SZA received the Record of the Year award for their collaboration "Luther," presented by Cher. Despite mistakenly referring to the song as being by "Luther Vandross," Cher's acknowledgment highlighted the generational impact of the artists. Kendrick Lamar further made history that night by winning the Best Rap Album for "GNX," bringing his total Grammy wins to 27, surpassing Jay-Z's record.
Lady Gaga was awarded the Pop Vocal Album for "Mayhem," and newcomer Olivia Dean was recognized as Best New Artist. In her emotional acceptance speech, she reflected on her immigrant roots, stating, “I am a product of bravery, and I think that those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Other big winners included Jelly Roll, who took home the inaugural Contemporary Country Album award for "Beautifully Broken," and Pharrell Williams, who received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Cher also received the Lifetime Achievement Award, encouraging the audience to never give up on their dreams after decades in the music industry.
In a significant tribute segment, the show honored the legacies of late artists D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, featuring performances from Ms. Lauryn Hill for the first time since 1999. The medley included a range of songs celebrating D’Angelo's impact on music, while Hill's performance paid tribute to Flack’s timeless classics.
Throughout the night, artists continued to bring attention to immigration issues, with many wearing anti-ICE pins during their speeches. Kehlani, who won two Grammys for R&B Performance and R&B Song, expressed her feelings about the current political climate, declaring, “(Expletive) ICE” in her passionate speech.
As the event unfolded, a unique format was employed for the best new artist nominees, who participated in a medley showcasing their diverse styles across multiple stages of the venue. The night also highlighted first-time Grammy winners in various categories, including the Dalai Lama for his audiobook, marking the event's diverse range of artists and genres.
The performances were marked by high energy, including a remarkable opening by Rosé and Bruno Mars. Overall, the 2026 Grammy Awards reflected a profound sense of celebration, activism, and acknowledgment of the powerful role of music in addressing social issues.
