Bad Bunny, the Latin rap superstar whose upcoming Super Bowl performance has sparked cultural debate, claimed the top Grammy honour on Sunday. His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a tribute to his Puerto Rican heritage, became the first Spanish-language record to win album of the year.
The 31-year-old artist and producer triumphed over fellow global stars Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga in a tight three-way contest, securing his first album-of-the-year Grammy — widely regarded as the industry’s most prestigious award. During his acceptance speech, the Puerto Rican performer dedicated the award to people who leave their homelands in pursuit of their dreams, echoing the evening’s broader expressions of support for immigrants.
The album, Bad Bunny’s sixth studio release, pays homage to his Caribbean roots and had already gained momentum after winning album of the year at the Latin Grammys in November.
Bad Bunny’s recognition also carried political undertones. Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, he has been a vocal critic of immigration enforcement raids carried out under U.S. President Donald Trump. The singer previously avoided touring the mainland United States, citing concerns that federal immigration authorities might target his fans. The Grammy victory also raises his profile ahead of his scheduled performance at the National Football League’s Super Bowl halftime show, which will introduce him to a broader English-speaking U.S. audience.
His selection for the high-profile Super Bowl stage has drawn criticism from some conservative commentators, including Trump, who dismissed the choice and claimed he was unfamiliar with the artist. Bad Bunny had openly backed Trump’s Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
While accepting the award for best Latin urban music album — one of five trophies he received — Bad Bunny voiced opposition to immigration enforcement, declaring “ICE out” on stage. Anti-deportation sentiments became a recurring theme throughout the lengthy Grammy broadcast, with several attendees, including Justin Bieber, wearing “ICE Out” pins.
British soul-pop artist Olivia Dean won best new artist and used her acceptance speech to honour her grandmother, who moved to Britain from Guyana as a teenager in search of a better life. She described herself as the product of immigrant courage and called for greater recognition of such contributions.
Kendrick Lamar, who entered the ceremony with a leading nine nominations, collected five awards, including best rap album for GNX and record of the year for “Luther,” his collaboration with singer-songwriter SZA. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell won song of the year for their track “Wildflower.”
The song “Golden,” from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, also made history by winning best song written for visual media — the first time a K-pop track has received a Grammy. The track was performed in the film by fictional band HUNTR/X, voiced by vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rein Ami.
Lady Gaga secured awards for best pop vocal album with Mayhem and best dance-pop recording for “Abracadabra.”
Comedian Trevor Noah hosted the ceremony for the sixth time, describing it as his final appearance as host. The event was broadcast live on CBS from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, 79, achieved EGOT status — having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony — after earning his first Grammy for best music film as producer of Music by John Williams.
Grammy winners are selected by approximately 15,000 voting members of the Recording Academy, which includes artists, producers, songwriters, and engineers. The organisation has expanded and diversified its membership in recent years, with around 1,000 Latin Grammy voters gaining eligibility this year and 73% of the current voting body joining since 2019.
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