Grammy Awards 2026 highlights

This past Sunday marked one of the biggest nights in music. The Grammy Awards returned for their 68th year, once again taking over the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the annual telecast.

As the United States continues to navigate a period of political unease, the ceremony offered a rare moment of escape — a few hours where the spotlight shifted back to music, culture and spectacle, even as unexpected political references.

Here is a roundup of the major moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and “ICE Out” Statements

Politics took centre stage at this year’s Grammys as nominees and attendees used fashion and speeches to voice opposition to recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids across the United States. Artists including Justin Bieber, Brandi Carlile and Jack Antonoff were spotted wearing “ICE Out” pins, a direct protest against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

One of the night’s most striking moments came from Bad Bunny, who concluded his acceptance speech with just “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE Out” delivering a message as brief as it was forceful.

Billie Eilish echoed similar sentiments when accepting Song of the Year for Wildflower, stating: “No one is illegal on stolen land,” drawing applause from the audience.

Gesaffelstein’s Red Carpet Look

Gesaffelstein delivered what may go down as the shortest acceptance speech in Grammy history. The French producer won his first Grammy for Best Remixed Recording for his edit of Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra, but it was his presence that left an impression.

Arriving in his signature black mask and gloves, Gesaffelstein approached the stage, bowed, blew a kiss to the crowd and exited without speaking. The gesture was theatrical and unmistakably on brand. 

Bieber in Boxers

Justin Bieber stripped things back, literally, for his performance of Yukon. Taking the stage wearing a pair of purple satin boxers and nothing else, the pop star paired vulnerability with spectacle.

Armed with a purple electric guitar, Bieber built looping instrumentals and layered vocals live, silencing the room with a raw, ballad-driven performance that reminded audiences of his long-standing musical instincts. 

Steven Spielberg Achieves EGOT Status

Steven Spielberg officially entered elite territory this Sunday, completing the coveted EGOT. With his Grammy win for Best Music Film for Music by John Williams, the legendary filmmaker became one of only 21 artists in history to earn an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

The win cements Spielberg’s status as one of entertainment’s most decorated figures — quite literally collecting all four “infinity stones”. 

Wicked Finds Its Moment After Oscars Snub

After being shut out of the Oscars, fans of Wicked: For Good were quick to label the film’s awards-season run a snub. Redemption came at the Grammys, where Wicked won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Defying Gravity.

Although stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were absent, fans celebrated the recognition, relieved to see the film’s music receive its long-overdue moment in the spotlight.

Source – Bangkok News