The 68th annual Grammy Awards marked a historical and memorial night for singer and producer Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny. Not only did he take home Album of the Year for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’” — the first Spanish language album to win the award — but he also took home awards for Global Music Performance and Música Urbana Album.
Recognition
Bad Bunny’s Grammy win sparked an immediate surge in his popularity, sending his streams skyrocketing overnight. According to Billboard, he achieved nearly 36 million streams the day after the awards show, a 177% increase, while digital sales jumped more than 591%.
This momentum follows an already historic win for the artist. Prior to Sunday’s win, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” took home Album of the Year at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, further securing Bad Bunny’s dominance in both English and Spanish language music industries.
His career shows no signs of slowing down. Bad Bunny headlined the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Feb 8. and performed entirely in Spanish, making him the first artist to do so. This is a landmark moment for global Latin music representation.
His selection as the halftime show performer has sparked lots of controversy, even from President Donald Trump and his administration. This controversy has led Turning Point USA, a U.S.-based conservative organization, to plan an alternative halftime show starring Trump-ally Kid Rock.
Despite the criticism, Bad Bunny remains focused on delivering a memorable performance.
“I know that the world is gonna be happy at this Sunday, and they’re gonna have fun, and they’re gonna dance and they’re gonna have a good time,” Bad Bunny said in an Apple Music press conference.
Speaking out
One of the most memorable moments of the Grammys came during Bad Bunny’s acceptance speeches.
Met with both slander and applause, he dedicated the award to “all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.”
Fellow artists throughout the night also showed support for immigrants, criticizing Trump and his administration.
Olivia Dean, who took home the award for Best New Artist, also spoke up for immigrants in her acceptance speech.
“I want to say I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” said Dean, who has a British father and Jamaican-Guyanese mother, in her emotional speech. “I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other.”
Collins Obinna Chibueze, better known as Shaboozey, who was born to Nigerian immigrant parents, dedicated his first Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” alongside Jelly Roll to “all children of immigrants.”
“This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunities,” Chibueze said. “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.”
