Though the trivial online chatter of frustrated superfans and fashion sleuths was dwarfed by what became a collective statement by the music industry. With ‘ICE out’ badges on collars and declarations of ‘f**k ICE’ in acceptance speeches, the message was clear.
Political statements at awards shows are anything but rare, and often musicians are told to ‘stay in their lane,’ but in such turbulent times, we should raise our expectations of those we choose to platform. Such a collective display of solidarity was impressive; Billie Eilish put it best in her acceptance speech for Song of the Year: ‘our voices really do matter’.
Such a collective display of solidarity was impressive
Bad Bunny’s historic Album of the Year win for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ (the first Spanish-language album to do so) embodied this sense of unity. This well-deserved recognition is timely and represents a celebration of Latino identity at a time of extreme hate and oppression. He took the opportunity to voice his love for the Puerto Rican community and encourage strength in the face of adversity: ‘the only thing that is more powerful than hate is love’.
‘the only thing that is more powerful than hate is love’.
Olivia Dean, too, expressed gratitude and pride for her background: ‘I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant…I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated’. Her Hollywood glamour inspired performance of ‘Man I Need’ stood out from other Best New Artist nominees including Katseye and Addison Rae, and was the perfect culmination of a momentous year, making her a worthy winner of the prestigious award.
Sunday’s ceremony differed from last year’s in more ways than one. Wins for Lola Young, YUNGBLUD and FKA Twigs contributed to an exciting improvement in British success across the awards. Yet Sabrina Carpenter, whose high-budget, airline-themed performance of ‘Manchild’ that left fans speculating a potential tour (brace yourselves for an inevitable dent in the budget) was the night’s highlight. She missed out on all six of her nominations - safe to say it was a night of change and surprise!
Though the Grammys are over for another year, there is hope that the momentum they gathered can continue, not least in Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl half-time performance.