The 2026 Grammy Awards turned into a platform for political commentary as artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish boldly addressed the contentious immigration policies of the Trump administration during their acceptance speeches. Their remarks, delivered amid ongoing protests against federal actions in Minnesota, have reignited the debate over celebrity activism, catching the attention of comedian Ricky Gervais, who remains critical of such political statements at awards shows.
A Night of Political Statements
During the star-studded event held in Los Angeles on 2 February, several winners used their moments in the spotlight to voice opposition to President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Bad Bunny, who secured the Best Música Urbana Album award, opened his speech with the powerful declaration: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out.” This sentiment resonated with many in the audience, as he called for compassion and unity, stating, “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish followed suit when she accepted the award for Song of the Year, asserting that “no one is illegal on stolen land” before emphatically declaring, “F*** ICE.” These bold statements were echoed by other artists, including Joni Mitchell and Kehlani, who wore “ICE Out” pins in solidarity. Kehlani, speaking on the red carpet, voiced her frustration with the current political climate, saying, “I think everybody – we’re too powerful of a group to all be in a room at the same time and not make some kind of statement.”
Gervais Weighs In
Ricky Gervais, known for his unfiltered critiques of celebrity culture, took to X to express his discontent with the political messages at the Grammys. He shared a memorable excerpt from his 2020 Golden Globes monologue, where he admonished celebrities not to use their acceptance speeches for political purposes. “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a political platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything,” he reminded them, reiterating his long-held belief that celebrities are often disconnected from the real world.
The comedian’s remarks have sparked a lively debate about the role of celebrity activism and whether awards shows are appropriate venues for political discourse. Gervais had previously made similar comments following last year’s Grammy Awards, positioning himself as a vocal critic of celebrity grandstanding.
Backlash from Conservative Voices
In the aftermath of the awards ceremony, conservative figures and commentators expressed their disdain for the artists’ political statements. Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren labelled the performers as “overpaid musicians” who were out of touch with the realities faced by the hardworking individuals of ICE and border patrol. “The audacity is astounding,” she remarked, showcasing the polarising nature of celebrity involvement in political issues.
Why it Matters
The Grammy Awards have become a significant stage for discussing pressing social issues, particularly in a landscape marked by division. The artists’ statements reflect a growing trend among celebrities to leverage their platforms for activism, igniting both support and backlash. As public figures increasingly engage in political discourse, the conversation surrounding the appropriateness of such actions at entertainment events continues to evolve, challenging both celebrities and audiences to consider the implications of their voices in the socio-political arena.
