The Grammy Award was held on Sunday. While those winning awards used their plöatform to thank everyone who contributed to their success, this year, the stage was also used to criticize Donald Trump’s ‘private ICE army.’
The Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. While the luminaries of the music industry were honored as artists, songwriters, producers, and more, the event also served as a platform for numerous celebrities to voice their opposition to Donald Trump and his administration.
Several artists expressed their dissent regarding the administration’s deployment of ICE agents in cities throughout America. In a recent occurrence, Minneapolis and Saint Paul experienced ICE operations that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Recently, Portland has witnessed multiple protests against ICE, with one protest concluding with agents using tear gas.
Billie Eilish, Carole King, and Finneas O’Connell all donned specific pins inscribed with the phrase “ICE OUT.” Even Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, who are typically reticent about American politics, wore these pins.
Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani, and Rhiannon Giddens were among other artists who showcased protest attire on the Grammys red carpet.
Artists voice their opposition to ICE at the Grammys.
Justin Vernon, the founder and lead singer of the band Bon Iver, wore a whistle pin, explaining on the red carpet that it was “to honor the observers in Minneapolis” who “blow the whistle when they see ICE come in.”
According to Variety, he further stated, “They are there to protect their community, and they’ve been doing it for weeks. It’s wonderful to pause here and celebrate music and its power, but the real work is happening in the streets of Minneapolis right now, and I’m here to honor them.”
Numerous artists utilized their platforms during the event to denounce ICE operations across the United States.
Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, received the award for song of the year for “Wildflower.” On stage, Eilish remarked, “I feel so honored every time I get to be in this room. And, as grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything, but that no one is illegal on stolen land … It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I feel really hopeful in this room.”
British soul-pop artist Olivia Dean, recognized as the best new artist, shared that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant, emphasizing that immigrants “deserve to be celebrated.”
“We’re not savage”
Bad Bunny, who is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl and has been labeled as “absolutely ridiculous” by Trump, received the award for best música urbana album. The artist commenced his speech by stating, “Before I express my gratitude to God, I’m going to say: ICE out.”
He further elaborated, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
Artist Kehlani, who was awarded Best R&B Performance, utilized her first Grammy wins to address ICE agents.
“I hope everyone feels inspired to unite as a community of artists and speak out against the current situation. … I’ll conclude this by saying f— ICE;” she remarked.
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