Contributed/The Grammys

The 68th annual Grammy Awards reflected the current moment in America. From political statements to music legends being remembered, the power of art during difficult times came to the forefront of the awards ceremony.

“We’re living in a time that demands courage. It demands creativity. It demands connection. And music has always met that moment. Music tells the truth when it’s hard. It brings people together when they feel divided. It reminds us that creativity—it’s not a luxury, it’s essential,” stated Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.

With severe funding cuts to the arts throughout the past year, the diverse range of genres and award winners highlighted the resilience of artists.

In both the Premiere Awards Ceremony and the Main Awards Ceremony, several award winners made political statements regarding immigration policy.

Shaboozey, winner of Best Country Duo/Group Performance along with Jelly Roll, stated during his acceptance speech, “Immigrants built this country, so this is for them, for all children of immigrants. This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity, to be a part of a nation that promised freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it. Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America color.”

Chappell Roan, last year’s Best New Artist, presented the same award to Olivia Dean.

“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” Dean said. “I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other.”

Bad Bunny made history as the first artist to win Album of the Year for a Spanish-language album with “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” He also won Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance.

“Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out. We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said.

Several artists also wore “ICE Out” pins, including Billie Eilish (Song of the Year), Justin Bieber, Amy Allen (Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical), Kehlani (Best R&B Performance) and Joni Mitchell (Best Historical Album).

The importance of humanity, especially within the arts, was also a key point in multiple speeches, as concerns about AI continue to rise in the industry.

On behalf of Jon Batiste’s Best Americana Album, his co-producer, Nick Waterhouse, spoke: “Real musicians and real people playing in the same room together is one of the oldest traditions in humanity and must be protected. We’re all here because of the humanity of music right now and we call on DSPs, the Academy, the corporations, the big money to protect our humanity and music right now. Americana comes in many different shades and this is a country of immigrants and we’d all like to remind you of that.”

After receiving a record-breaking number of nominations for the upcoming Oscars, “Sinners” took home two Grammys: Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Reba McEntire, country legend, also took to the stage along with Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. They performed McEntire’s song “Trailblazer” in honor of the music legends lost over the past year, which included Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys and Bobby Weir from the Grateful Dead, among many others.

Post Malone, Slash and other artists played a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, the “Godfather of Heavy Metal.”

Earlier in the night, Yungblud also honored Ozzy in his heartfelt speech for Best Rock Performance. The performance that won him the award was also a Black Sabbath cover, “Changes,” which he played live at Ozzy’s final show last year.

“The last time I saw Ozzy Osbourne, you asked me if there was anything you could do for me. I answered the music was enough and I can safely say on behalf of all of us, that still stands now and it will forever. God bless rock music and God bless Ozzy Osbourne,” Yungblud said.

Lauryn Hill, alongside other artists, also performed a tribute in honor of D’Angelo and Roberta Flack.

Kendrick Lamar was the most nominated artist of the year with nine nominations. He won Best Rap Album and Record of the Year, along with SZA.

All award winners, acceptance speeches and artist performances, including Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and more, can be found at Grammy.com.

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