The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, were marked by historic wins, political statements, and memorable performances. Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with nine for his album "GNX," becoming the first artist to have five consecutive studio albums nominated for Album of the Year, according to Variety. Trevor Noah hosted the event for the sixth consecutive year, while Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status after winning Best Music Film for producing "Music By John Williams."
Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album for "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" to denounce U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out," the Puerto Rican artist stated, adding, "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans." His statement was met with applause and standing ovations, coinciding with anti-ICE protests across the country, including in Los Angeles, according to CBS News.
Justin Bieber generated buzz with his performance of "Yukon" from his album "Swag," appearing on stage in only silky blue boxers covered in crystals, Fox News reported. Trevor Noah also made headlines with his opening monologue, which included a joke about Nicki Minaj's recent association with former President Donald Trump, according to Fox News.
The awards ceremony also saw former CNN journalist Don Lemon in attendance, just days after his release following an arrest related to his coverage of anti-ICE protests that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. Lemon was released on his own recognizance, without bail, on January 30, according to ABC News. He walked the red carpet with his husband, Timothy Malone.
In other news, President Trump announced on Sunday that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., will close for approximately two years for "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding." The closure is scheduled to begin on July 4. Trump stated on Truth Social that the decision to fully close the center, rather than conduct partial construction, came after a year of review by experts. "The temporary closure will produce a much faster and higher quality result!," Trump wrote. He added that the renovation would "take a tired, broken, and dilapidated Center, one that has been in bad condition, both financially and structurally for many years, and turn it into a World Class B[uilding]."
The 2026 Grammy Awards presented a total of 95 awards across various categories, celebrating achievements in music and entertainment.
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