The 2026 Grammy Awards was a historic and electrifying night, with Bad Bunny winning Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." This marked the first time a Spanish-language album had claimed the top prize, setting a new milestone in music history.
In his acceptance speech, Bad Bunny, who was born in Puerto Rico, said, "Puerto Rico, believe me when I tell you that we are much bigger than 100 by 35." He continued, "And there is nothing we can't achieve. Thank God, thank you to the Academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my career."
Turning to his family and collaborators, he said, "To all the people who worked on this album, thank you mami for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico, I love you." Switching to English, he dedicated the award to all those who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams.
The night was also marked by a strong anti-ICE sentiment, with several artists using their platform to speak out against immigration enforcement. Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for "Wildflower" and used the moment to criticize ICE, saying, "No one is illegal on stolen land. (Expletive) ICE is all I want to say."
Other notable winners included Kendrick Lamar and SZA for Record of the Year, Lady Gaga for Pop Vocal Album, and Jelly Roll for Contemporary Country Album. The inaugural Contemporary Country Album category was a significant addition to the awards, though it sparked some controversy online when Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" was announced as the winner.
The evening was filled with powerful performances and tributes to legendary artists like D'Angelo and Roberta Flack. Lauryn Hill returned to the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, paying homage to both artists.
Overall, the 2026 Grammy Awards was a night of celebration, recognition, and activism, with artists using their platform to speak out on important issues and honor the legacy of those who have come before them.
