Viewers tuned out of the 2026 Grammy Awards in droves, ing frustration over what they called overly political content during the ceremony. Several artists took the stage to deliver statements addressing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, amid nationwide protests following the fatal shootings of two citizens in encounters with ICE agents.
Artists Voice Immigration Concerns
As award recipients accepted their honors, the event shifted focus to social issues. Olivia Dean, accepting the Best New Artist award, shared that she is the granddaughter of immigrants, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Rapper Bad Bunny echoed the sentiment in his speech, starting with: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.” He added, “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.”
Billie Eilish also weighed in, declaring, “No one is illegal on stolen land,” which prompted another wave of applause inside the venue.
Host Trevor Noah set the tone early by humorously targeting rapper Nicki Minaj, who has drawn criticism for endorsing Donald Trump.
Online Reactions and Viewer Frustration
While the in-person crowd responded positively, reactions from home viewers turned negative quickly. On social media platform X, one user commented: “Felt like I was in the twilight zone, wtf is happening in the US and when did the award show about music turn into a politic circus?”
Another viewer vented: “Turned the Grammys off as soon as I turned them on… wanted to see artists and watch their performances, not hear political s**t. And no, I don’t give a f*** where you align, to each their own. Over everything being saturated with that.”
A third shared: “I tried to watch. Then you make political statements. Turned it off after 10 minutes. Another year of garbage.”
Trump’s Response to the Ceremony
Former President Donald Trump joined the criticism, labeling the awards show the “worst, virtually unwatchable.” He stated that CBS was “lucky not to have this garbage litter their airways any longer.”
Trump specifically addressed a remark from Noah, claiming the host incorrectly said that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton visited Epstein Island. Trump responded: “WRONG!!! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the fake news media.” He indicated that his legal team would pursue action against Noah.
