Bad Bunny made history Sunday night, becoming the first artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year with a Spanish-language project. His sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a tribute to his Puerto Rican roots, beat out heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga for the industry’s top honor.
The 31-year-old superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, used his acceptance speech to highlight the immigrant experience. "I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams," he said.
The win comes amid a heated political climate. Bad Bunny has been an outspoken critic of U.S. immigration policies, even skipping mainland U.S. tour dates recently due to concerns over ICE enforcement. During the ceremony, he pointedly declared "ICE out" while accepting the award for Best Música Urbana Album.
The evening was marked by similar statements from other artists. Best New Artist winner Olivia Dean, a British soul-pop singer, honored her Caribbean heritage and immigrant grandmother. Many attendees wore "ICE Out" buttons on the red carpet in protest of recent deportation drives.
The Grammy victory serves as a high-profile launchpad for Bad Bunny’s next major appearance: headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show this coming Sunday. The selection has sparked debate, with traditionalists and political figures—including President Donald Trump—criticizing the choice of a Spanish-language performer.
Other Major Winners are, Kendrick Lamar won five awards, including Best Rap Album for GNX and Record of the Year for "Luther," his collaboration with SZA. Billie Eilish & Finneas won Song of the Year for the hit single "Wildflower."
Lady Gaga secured Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem and Best Dance-Pop Recording for "Abracadabra."
K-Pop Milestone: The song "Golden" from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters won Best Song Written for Visual Media, the first Grammy win for the K-pop genre.
Steven Spielberg: The legendary director achieved "EGOT" status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) after winning Best Music Film for the documentary Music by John Williams.
The historic win reflects shifts within the Recording Academy. Over the last seven years, the Academy has revamped its 15,000-member voting body to increase diversity. This year, approximately 1,000 Latin Grammy voters became eligible to vote in the general awards for the first time.
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