Setting the Stage
On February 1, 2026, controversies began at the 86th Annual Grammy Awards when popular musical artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Dean mentioned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other current political topics in their acceptance speeches.
Naturally, several people in the audience were inspired and happy by the politically motivated speeches, but others were not. The controversy has sparked widespread debate online and beyond, now asking: Should artists use acceptance speeches to express political views, or should they keep politics separate from entertainment?
Popular Puerto Rican artist and Super Bowl Halftime Show performer, Bad Bunny, won Album of the Year for his album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos (DtMF). This broke the record as the first all-Spanish album to win the award. When he went to the stage to give his acceptance speech, he stated, “Before I say thanks to God, I want to say ‘ICE out.’”
Later that night, he also won Best Urban Music Album. While giving his acceptance speech for this, he said, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are human, and we are American.”
“I agree with what he said, but him saying he’s a human isn’t something he should have to say,” said freshman Brayden Wood. By saying this, Wood is conveying the message that even the most-streamed artist has to say they are human, and someone that well-known should not have to, let alone people who are not as fortunate or famous as he is.
Earlier in the night, the winner of the Best New Artist Award and writer of “Man I need,” Olivia Dean, noted that she was the granddaughter of an immigrant and said, “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people need to be celebrated.” Showing support for immigration. Dean states that even third-generation immigrants can achieve the American Dream, as Dean has.
For over ten years, Billie Eilish has been one of the most important celebrities in the music industry and in pop culture as a whole. This year, Eilish won Song of the Year for her song, “Wildflower.”
Over the past year, Eilish has expressed distaste for the Trump Administration and its policies. In her most recent acceptance speech, she stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land.” Eilish made this statement in reference to the recent brutal deportations made by ICE.
Since these speeches were made at the awards ceremony, the internet has been in a tornado of support and contradiction.
Sully’s Case for Political Speeches at the Grammys
The first positive outlook on this topic is the potential to make fans feel there is a safe place within the artist; they may be more willing to speak out about what they believe if they know they are not alone. Similarly, someone sharing a common belief with an artist they did not know could increase engagement with the artist’s music and make them more popular.
“They [the celebrities] should speak their minds more,” said freshman Sophie Walton.
When thinking about this, one has to ask themself, where else are artists going to speak about their beliefs? The Grammy Awards are one of the most-watched events of the year, so it makes sense for people to use the show as an opportunity to raise awareness of real issues. And not only does it raise awareness, it gets people’s attention, in turn making them want to watch the Grammy Awards.
“It was the perfect place, and it got people listening,” said freshman Emma Greer-Penix.
Many people also said it’s their award and that they can thank whoever they want.
“They thank God, and that’s not about music,” said freshman Brayden Wood. “It’s a good way to spread your opinion.”
Regarding acceptance speeches made in protest or support of certain political issues, it is a very great way to spread hope, inspiration, and raise awareness about situations in the world.
The positive being that many fans feel the artist becomes relatable, and that provides a safe place for others to speak out against the world’s issues, too.
Amiyah’s Case Against Political Speeches at the Grammys
For the past eighty-six years, the annual Grammy Awards have been a staple in pop culture and the music industry. It has not been common for artists to share personal details on the internet, especially on live television, until now.
Artists like Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and Billie Eilish spoke about ICE in their acceptance speeches. The audience of the awards gave mixed responses to these speeches.
“We should be celebrating the greatness in the world, not all of the sad stuff going on,” said freshman Collin Caudill.
One of the many problems with celebrities speaking out against or for politics would be that the celebrity is just thinking opportunistically, especially if the artist isn’t known for activism; it could also look as if the artist is taking away light from the actual voices who speak out against political problems in the world in general.
The celebrity would also lose an abundance of fans because they could have a different group of viewers. An example would be Emily Austin, a sports reporter, recording her raw reaction to Eilish’s speech, her reaction was happiness to disgust, which turned into her mocking Eilish. This shows that others in the crowd possibly had a different opinion on the anti-ICE speech.
In the 2020 Golden Globes, Rickey Gervais stated, “If you win an award don’t turn it into a political speech. You’re not here to lecture the public,” practically inferring that political speeches at any awards for famous artists shouldn’t be taken away for the reason they are there if it’s for sports, music, a movie, etc.
“Bad Bunny shouldn’t have had to say that he was human,” said Wood, inferring that the world shouldn’t be so cruel that a human would have to feel the need to say that, and that. “Many of the celebrities who gave these speeches sit with their money and don’t do anything to help the situation.”
Famous actor and singer SZA said, “Please don’t fall into despair. I know right now it is a scary time. I know the algorithm tells us that it is scary and all is lost. There have been world wars, there have been plagues, and we have gone on.”
“There is a fine line between work and politics,” said Nurkka. Many celebrities can agree with that statement; most famous people will not speak out against ICE, knowing they will get judged, canceled, or paraded for their own opinions. That’s why work and politics should stay separated and not be brought into live television, let alone awards with other celebrities, because it could put others in danger.
“They [the celebrities] should speak their minds more,” said freshman Sophie Walton.
“I think their opinion is valuable, but there is a certain place for opinions that are that strong,” said freshman Rosemary Crawford. Another con of discussing politics is that it is not the right place to do so. Many people argue that politics should be discussed at real political events, such as presidential rallies, or at home with family and friends.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether one supports or opposes artists expressing their political views at the Grammys, it is clear that the conversation will continue to spark thoughtful debate.
