Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny wins Album of the Year at the Grammys, the first Spanish-language album to do so, while delivering a political message.
LOS ANGELES: Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made history at the Grammys on Sunday, winning Album of the Year for his Spanish-language work “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos”.
It is the first time a Spanish-language album has taken the top honour in music.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar added five more awards to his collection, including Record of the Year.
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas won the Song of the Year prize.
Britain’s Olivia Dean was named best new artist at the ceremony, which featured performances from stars including Lady Gaga.
Bad Bunny earned cheers for delivering a powerful political message, criticising nationwide immigration raids.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ‘ICE out’,” Bad Bunny said while accepting the award for best musica urbana album.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens; we are humans and we are Americans,” the 31-year-old stated.
He headlines the Super Bowl halftime show next week.
Upon winning the night’s top prize, he appeared overcome with emotion before delivering most of his speech in Spanish.
“I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams,” he said in English.
Lamar’s five Grammys equaled his haul from last year.
He was honoured for songs including the Record of the Year-winning “Luther” featuring SZA.
“I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honor to be here,” said Lamar.
Bad Bunny’s “Un verano sin ti” was the first Spanish-language album nominated for Album of the Year in 2022.
His winning album explores Puerto Rican identity set to folkloric sounds and reggaeton.
Host Trevor Noah repeatedly joked with the Latin megastar about not performing due to Super Bowl restrictions.
K-pop singer Rose and Bruno Mars kicked off the televised gala with a performance of “APT”.
Lady Gaga offered an energetic version of “Abracadabra” and Justin Bieber performed “Yukon”.
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter belted out her hit “Manchild”.
Reba McEntire and Lauryn Hill sang in honour of music figures who died over the last year.
Post Malone fronted an all-star band for a tribute to Black Sabbath.
The majority of the 95 awards were handed out at a pre-gala ceremony.
“Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” won best song for visual media.
Country star Jelly Roll and R&B singer Leon Thomas were among other winners.
Joni Mitchell, wearing an “ICE OUT” pin, won for best historical album.
