‘ICE Out’ - Grammy winners hit out at immigration crackdown in USA

LOS ANGELES (AP):

Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish were among the artistes who turned the 2026 Grammy Awards into a powerful platform for resistance, using his historic Album of the Year win to amplify an unmistakable anti-ICE message and celebrate immigrant dignity.

The first time Bad Bunny was on stage -- after winning the award for musica urbana album -- he used his speech to share an anti-ICE message, highlighting the humanity of all people.

"Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out," he said, starting out his speech in English to huge applause. "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."

That defiant tone was reinforced later when Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower from her album Hit Me Hard and Soft. She used her spotlight to directly challenge immigration authorities.

"No one is illegal on stolen land," Eilish said. "(Expletive) ICE is all I want to say."

Earlier in the day, at the Premiere Ceremony where 86 Grammys are handed out, artistes were equally as pointed about ICE and immigration enforcement.

Shaboozey accepted the award for country duo/group performance with tears in his eyes. "I want to thank my mother, who as of today, has retired from her job of 30 years ... working as a registered nurse in a psych ward ... as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom.

"Immigrants built this country, literally, actually. So, this for them," he concluded. "Thank you for bringing your culture, your music and your stories."

Kehlani, after winning her first Grammy, ended her acceptance speech with "Imma leave this and say, (expletive) ICE."

"I'm scared," Gloria Estefan said of the current political moment backstage at the Grammys. "There are hundreds of children in detention centres. ... I don't recognise my country in this moment right now."