Bad Bunny & Kendrick Lamar Shine at Politicised Ceremony

The 68th Grammy Awards unfolded as both a celebration of music and a forum for pointed political statements, with Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar emerging as the night’s central figures amid repeated criticism of US immigration enforcement policies.

Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, becoming the first Spanish-language artist to receive the Recording Academy’s top honour. He also collected awards for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance.

In his acceptance speech, the Puerto Rican artist delivered a brief but direct message condemning recent immigration raids, drawing sustained applause from the audience.

His remarks set the tone for a ceremony in which several artists used the spotlight to address immigration, identity and state power.

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Kendrick Lamar extended his record as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history, adding multiple trophies to his collection. He won Record of the Year alongside SZA for “Luther” and Best Rap Album for GNX. The awards reinforced Lamar’s long-standing critical and commercial influence, with the Academy recognising both his lyricism and sustained relevance.

Political statements surfaced throughout the evening. Billie Eilish—accepting Song of the Year for “Wildflower”—referred to the US as “stolen land” and spoke in defence of immigrant communities. Several performers and attendees appeared on the red carpet wearing “ICE Out” pins, signalling opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Beyond the political messaging, the ceremony reflected a broad range of musical recognition. Lady Gaga won Best Pop Vocal Album, while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, marking a breakthrough moment in her career. Performances throughout the night leaned toward stripped-back staging, placing emphasis on vocals and musicianship rather than spectacle.

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Hosted for the final time by Trevor Noah, the Grammys balanced celebration with confrontation, underscoring how major cultural events increasingly intersect with public debate. This year’s ceremony suggested that for many artists, awards stages are no longer separate from political realities, but part of the same conversation.