Billie Eilish’s Grammy acceptance speech for Song of the Year, awarded for “Wildflower,” ignited a firestorm of reaction. Standing on stage, bathed in the glow of the awards, she didn’t shy away from a deeply held conviction: “No one is illegal on stolen land.” The raw honesty, punctuated by a defiant “F* ICE,” resonated with many in the room, drawing applause and nods of agreement.
The response beyond the auditorium, however, was sharply divided. A wave of online criticism quickly followed, prompting a fierce defense from her brother and collaborator, Finneas. He didn’t mince words, taking to social media to point out the irony of the outrage, suggesting those most vocal against his sister’s statement had their own histories to contend with.
Finneas’ statement, though not naming individuals, alluded to powerful figures implicated in past controversies. It was a bold move, a direct challenge to those attempting to silence his sister’s voice and a clear indication of his unwavering support.
Billie wasn’t alone in using the Grammys platform to speak out. A constellation of stars visibly protested against ICE’s policies, adorning themselves with “ICE OUT” pins. Justin and Hailey Bieber, Joni Mitchell, Wet Leg, Bon Iver, and Kehlani were among those who made a silent, yet powerful, statement.
Bad Bunny, accepting the prestigious Album of the Year award for his groundbreaking Spanish-language record, *Debí Tirar Mas Fotos*, echoed Billie’s sentiment. He passionately asserted the humanity of immigrants, declaring, “We are not savage, we are not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.”
His speech wasn’t just a condemnation of ICE, but a plea for empathy and understanding. Bad Bunny urged listeners to combat hate with love, arguing that only love possesses the power to truly overcome division and foster positive change.
The Grammys’ executive producer, Ben Winston, firmly defended the artists’ right to express their political views. He emphasized that their freedom to speak out is integral to their identity as musicians and artists, and that their willingness to address important issues is precisely what connects them with their audiences.
Winston acknowledged that a politically neutral Grammys would have felt jarring and disingenuous. He argued that artists, driven by their creative spirit and deep-seated emotions, naturally gravitate towards addressing the injustices they witness in the world, and to do otherwise would be to betray their authenticity.
The evening underscored a powerful truth: the Grammys, traditionally a celebration of musical achievement, had become a stage for social commentary. The artists, empowered by their platform, refused to remain silent, choosing instead to amplify voices often marginalized and ignored.
