The exposure provided to celebrities attending the Grammys should be utilized as an opportunity to speak out against hate and to perpetuate what they believe in.
When most people think about the Grammy Awards, the first thing that comes to mind is music, not politics. I have noticed that in this year’s award show held at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, separating art from politics was difficult for musicians, given the current immigration issues in the United States.
While watching the Grammy Awards, I saw several artists raising awareness of recent unconstitutional treatment from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Musicians shared messages supporting fellow immigrants and the Latin community during their times of struggle and belittlement by ICE. I believe The Grammy Awards have become an important stage for these artists to open up about their political beliefs.
According to a report from American Immigration Council published on Jan. 23, “at large” arrests of immigrants has increased 600% during the Trump administration, and ICE’s arrest practices have led to a 2,450% increase of arrests regarding individuals with no criminal record.
Billie Eilish, American musician and songwriter, voiced her opinion on stage after winning Song of the Year for her hit “Wildflower,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said. “I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting and our voices really do matter and the people matter.”
If musicians weren’t calling out ICE, they were showing support for immigrants. According to Elle, British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean used her time on stage, after winning Best New Artist, to honor her immigrant family members.
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean said. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.”
Gregory Freeland, a professor of political science at California Lutheran University who studies social movements and civil rights movements, said political expression in music reflects life experiences.
“When the political situation in the country is so intense, and so a part of everyday life, that’s when it comes apart for the Grammys,” Freeland said. “You know, you can’t avoid it. You have to speak about it.”
The ability for artists to declare their stance on prevalent issues affecting our nation carries more weight than the actual awards themselves.
According to AP News, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny made history by winning Album of the Year for his Spanish-language album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” In his acceptance speech, he urged compassion for immigrants.
“The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love, so please, we need to be different,” said Bad Bunny as reported in Entertainment Weekly, “We fight, we have to do it with love. We don’t hate them. We love our people, we love our family, and that’s the way to do it, with love. Don’t forget that, please.”
Freeland said that politics have always intertwined with music, suggesting that being upset with an artist for speaking about their beliefs holds no merit.
A lot of the music we listen to today is considered political. Freeland said songs like Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Minneapolis,” bring attention to current events. The track delves into the Minnesota ICE shootings that occurred recently and made a number one sales debut in just the span of two days, according to Billboard.
Kendrick Lamar, the most decorated rapper in Grammys history, according to Rolling Stone, is a prime example of a musician who amplifies current political and social issues. According to Glamour, his songs often address racism, police brutality and the impact of state institutions on marginalized communities.
Whether at protests, online or simply driving from point A to point B, music always has the power to connect with others. Music isn’t just background noise, but is used by everyday people to voice resistance against systems of power.
The massive audience that the Grammys attracts is one of the reasons why artists should express their beliefs and values. The Grammys had 14.4 million viewers this year, according to Variety. Per Yahoo Entertainment, the award ceremony had 74.8 million interactions and 302.5 million total views, making it the most-watched program since the Oscars in March 2025.
Due to the show’s audience size, artists are no longer just connected to their loyal fans but music enthusiasts around the world, Freeland said.
“The Grammys is broadcast to the world,” Freeland said. “And it’s an opportunity for them to just make one simple statement. You know, get it out there.”
In an era where many young people get their news from social media, some may even form political opinions depending on their favorite artists.
“A lot of students won’t read a newspaper,” Freeland said. “So they get their messages from what they listen to.”
Vivian Meyer, president of the Musician’s Club at Cal Lutheran, said the tone of the awards ceremony reflected the urgency of current political events.
“It was really good to see that people were speaking up,” Meyer said. “Especially about ICE.”
Meyer said artists who use their platforms in this way send an important message to the viewers.
“I think it adds context [to their music],” Meyer said. “A lot of it is about what they’re feeling at this time or around these times.”
The Grammy Awards have evolved over the years, but it continues to be a place where political commentary is both necessary and expected. It serves as a platform from which artists can convey the realities that they and their viewers are living through. In the current political strain we find ourselves in, it’s a place where silence dies, and messages of resistance are amplified.
