The ICE agency is a significant part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration in America, with the number of immigration arrests doubling since he came into office. With the growth of ICE comes the growth of protest, with federal officers shooting Rennee Good and Alex Pretti; many Americans have had enough of the agency's actions.
The Grammys are under the eyes of the entire world, allowing many artists to scrutinise and showcase their feelings towards the ICE agency. In recent years, many people on social media have used their platforms to speak out, and in this instance, the platform was not just used; it was elevated.
Before any awards were even received, many celebrities showcased their extravagant outfits with a small yet impactful touch - the ‘F*CK ICE’ pin badge. These little but fiery badges were pinned to the likes of Justin Bieber and Hayley Bieber, Kehlani, Billie Eilish, and Bon Iver, sending a visual statement across the globe.
Before any awards were even received, many celebrities showcased their extravagant outfits with a small yet impactful touch - the ‘F*CK ICE’ pin badge. These little but fiery badges were pinned to the likes of Justin Bieber and Hayley Bieber, Kehlani, Billie Eilish, and Bon Iver, sending a visual statement across the globe.
However, the acceptance speeches were at the heart of the protest at the Grammy Awards. In their moment of triumph, these artists selflessly chose to focus on making a statement against the injustice they feel. Even after winning her first-ever Grammy, Olivia Dean took to the stage to mention her background as the daughter of immigrants, expressing, “I wouldn’t be here. I’m a product of bravery, and those people deserve to be celebrated”(watch here).
As Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her track ‘Wildflower’, she also took a stand by choosing an openly political form of expression, stating “I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land,” and that “It’s really hard to know what to say and what to do right now. I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting, speaking up, and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter” (watch here).
Puerto-Rican legend Bad Bunny even spoke out when he won what could be considered the most anticipated Grammy Award - Album of the Year. He accepted the award for the incredible ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’, giving an emotional message to his family and friends in his native language - Spanish. Most importantly, he finished his speech with “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their home, their country, to follow their dreams.” (Watch here).
Even this year's Grammys host, Trevor Noah, made multiple political remarks throughout the night, which were clearly well-received by attendees. His remarks against Nikki Minaj and her recent alignment with the Trump administration gained significant traction across the audience. However, these statements did not go unnoticed, as he received a scathing response from Trump via X: “The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable!” and that Noah should get ready, as he’ll be sending his lawyers to this “poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C”.
As Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her track ‘Wildflower’, she also took a stand by choosing an openly political form of expression, stating “I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but no one is illegal on stolen land,” and that “It’s really hard to know what to say and what to do right now. I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting, speaking up, and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter” (watch here).
Puerto-Rican legend Bad Bunny even spoke out when he won what could be considered the most anticipated Grammy Award - Album of the Year. He accepted the award for the incredible ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’, giving an emotional message to his family and friends in his native language - Spanish. Most importantly, he finished his speech with “I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their home, their country, to follow their dreams.” (Watch here).
Even this year's Grammys host, Trevor Noah, made multiple political remarks throughout the night, which were clearly well-received by attendees. His remarks against Nikki Minaj and her recent alignment with the Trump administration gained significant traction across the audience. However, these statements did not go unnoticed, as he received a scathing response from Trump via X: “The Grammy Awards are the WORST, virtually unwatchable!” and that Noah should get ready, as he’ll be sending his lawyers to this “poor, pathetic, talentless dope of an M.C”.
The 68th Grammy Awards indeed proved that they are not just a cause for celebration, but a way to share a political message. These political messages, from wearing a small badge to giving a great speech, have gained great traction for the cause globally. While for some viewers it may feel divisive, many see it as an important and necessary way to fight injustice, representing a need for solidarity in a tense political climate. Either way, this year’s ceremony made one thing clear: the world’s biggest music stage is increasingly a space where glamour and resistance coexist, and where artists are deciding that silence is no longer part of the dress code.
Emma Monaghan
Image Credit: @billieeilsh on Instagram
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