68th Annual Grammy Awards Highlight Musical Achievements and Social Commentary
The 68th annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, honoring the best in music while also providing a platform for social commentary. The awards show, broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount, saw Kendrick Lamar leading the nominations with nine and ultimately winning several key awards, according to CBS News. Trevor Noah hosted the event for the sixth consecutive year.
Kendrick Lamar took home Grammys for Record of the Year, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Melodic Rap Performance. CBS News reported that Lamar's "GNX" marked his fifth consecutive studio album nominated for Album of the Year, a first for any artist. Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status by winning a Grammy, adding to his Emmy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
Amidst the celebration of musical achievements, several artists used their acceptance speeches to address social issues, particularly immigration. Bad Bunny, upon accepting the Grammy Award for his album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" in the música urbana album category, made a statement denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Before I say thanks to God, I'm going to say ICE out," he declared, 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, CBS News noted.
Bad Bunny was not alone in voicing support for immigrants. ABC News reported that Olivia Dean, winner of the best new artist award, spoke of her own family's immigrant history. "I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant," said Dean, whose father is British and whose mother is of Jamaican and Guyanese heritage, according to The New York Times.
The Grammys also featured memorable performances and moments. Justin Bieber surprised the audience by performing his hit "Yukon" in his underwear, Fox News reported. Trevor Noah's opening monologue included a joke about Nicki Minaj's association with former President Donald Trump, according to Fox News.
This year's Grammy Awards also introduced two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover, bringing the total number of awards presented to 95, according to CBS News. The category formerly known as Best Country Album is now named Best Contemporary Country Album.
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