The 68th Annual Grammy Awards unfolded last night in Los Angeles, spotlighting major artists and a surge of political messages from winners. Bad Bunny emerged as a standout, securing multiple honors, while the evening contrasted sharply with the subdued Golden Globes held last month.
Kendrick Lamar Sets Records Early
Kendrick Lamar claimed the first award of the night, winning best rap album for GNX, marking him as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. Later, he and SZA triumphed in record of the year for Luther, presented amid an unusual moment by Cher, who paused dramatically before announcing the winner—initially misreading the name. Lamar kept his speech neutral, focusing on gratitude without delving into politics. SZA followed, urging the audience: “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 Sparks Laughter and Commentary
Host Trevor Noah, in his sixth and final stint, infused the show with timely humor. He poked fun at the absent Nicki Minaj, joking that she remained at the White House discussing key issues with President Donald Trump. Noah also drew parallels between the song of the year award and Trump’s interests, quipping: “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 ceremony, Trump responded on social media, threatening to sue the host over the remarks.
Political Statements Dominate Acceptance Speeches
Political themes permeated the event, from opening monologues to closing speeches. Olivia Dean, accepting best new artist, highlighted her immigrant 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, winner of contemporary country album for 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-Immigration and Customs Enforcement pins. Eilish, collecting song of the year for Wildflower, declared: “No one is illegal on stolen land. F–ck ICE.”
Bad Bunny’s win for música urbana album on Debi Tirar Mas Fotos—his second of three awards—featured a bold statement: “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.”
These declarations marked a departure from the apolitical Golden Globes, influenced by recent events like the detention of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos by ICE agents, the shooting of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and the arrest of journalist Don Lemon.
Standout Performances and Other Winners
The three-hour broadcast balanced politics with music highlights. Noah opened by nodding to Lamar’s nine nominations and the ongoing rap feud with Drake, saying: “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 secured best pop album for Mayhem, her second win after best dance pop recording for Abracadabra. Canadian talents shone too: Cirkut took producer of the year, and Justin Gray won best immersive audio album.
Performances energized the crowd. Justin Bieber delivered a vulnerable rendition of Yukon in boxers. A supergroup featuring Post Malone, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Andrew Watt, Slash, and Duff McKagan honored Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath tributes. Bruno Mars and Rosé opened with APT, while Lauryn Hill led an R&B tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo. Lola Young surprised by winning best pop solo performance over nominees like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan.
Bad Bunny’s Emotional Album of the Year Victory
The night peaked with Bad Bunny accepting album of the year—the first all-Spanish album to claim the honor. Tearfully, he dedicated it to dreamers: “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.” As music swelled, the ceremony concluded on a poignant note.
