The 68th Annual Grammy Awards unfolded on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, spotlighting major stars, Bad Bunny’s impressive victories, and a surge of political messages from winners that infused the evening with emotion. This vibrant ceremony contrasted sharply with the subdued Golden Globes held the previous month.
Kendrick Lamar Sets Records Early
Kendrick Lamar claimed the night’s first major honor, securing best rap album for GNX and establishing himself as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. His momentum continued with a win for record of the year for Luther, featuring SZA. Cher presented the award in a memorable moment, initially stepping offstage prematurely, pausing awkwardly, and then announcing the wrong winner before correcting it.
Lamar kept his acceptance speeches measured, steering clear of direct political commentary. SZA, however, addressed the audience with urgency: “Please don’t fall into despair, I know that right now is a scary time. We’re not governed by the government, we’re governed by God.”
Host Trevor Noah Ignites Political Fireworks
Trevor Noah, hosting for the sixth and final time, set a provocative tone from the outset. He teased the absence of Nicki Minaj, joking that she remained at the White House with President Donald Trump discussing key matters, given her recent claim of being his top supporter. Noah also drew laughs by likening the coveted song of the year award to Trump’s interest in Greenland: “Wow, that is a Grammy that every artist wants, almost as much as Trump wants Greenland. Which makes sense because Epstein’s island is gone. He needs a new one to hang out with Bill Clinton.”
Following the event, Trump responded on social media, vowing to sue the “poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C.”
Immigration Themes Dominate Acceptance Speeches
Political undertones permeated the night, amplified by recent events including the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos by ICE agents, the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, and the arrest of journalist Don Lemon. Olivia Dean, accepting best new artist after standout performances by nominees like Lola Young—who surprised by winning best pop solo performance over Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan—highlighted her heritage: “I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Jelly Roll, honored for contemporary country album Beautifully Broken, emphasized unity: “Jesus is not owned by one political party.” Several artists, including Carole King, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, Rhiannon Giddens, Finneas, and Billie Eilish, wore anti-ICE pins. Eilish, winning song of the year for Wildflower, declared: “No one is illegal on stolen land. F–ck ICE.”
Bad Bunny’s Bold Wins and Statements
Bad Bunny emerged as a standout, securing three awards, including música urbana album for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. In his acceptance, he issued a direct rebuke: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out. We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.” The evening peaked with his emotional album of the year win—the first for an all-Spanish language release. Dedication poured out: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.”
Standout Performances and Other Victories
The three-hour show balanced politics with music highlights. Noah referenced the ongoing rap feud involving Lamar and Drake, congratulating Lamar on his nine nominations while quipping: “Congratulations; and that is all I’m going to say. I actually thought about writing a few jokes roasting you, but then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries.”
Lady Gaga triumphed with best pop album for Mayhem and best dance pop recording for Abracadabra. Canadian talents shone too: Cirkut earned producer of the year, and Justin Gray won best immersive audio album.
Performances captivated the crowd. Justin Bieber, despite no wins in his four nominations, delivered a raw rendition of Yukon in just boxers. A supergroup featuring Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Andrew Watt, Slash, and Duff McKagan honored Ozzy Osbourne. Bruno Mars and Rosé opened with their hit APT, while Lauryn Hill led a tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo with R&B luminaries.
As music swelled at the close, the politically charged night concluded on a high note of celebration and reflection.
