Viewers switch off political circus Grammys as | Music News

Viewers of the 2026 Grammy Awards expressed fury over “woke” messaging from performers as a number of stage appearances featured political declarations.

A major theme from these artists centered on United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minnesota. Demonstrations have erupted nationwide following two deadly shootings of residents during encounters with ICE brokers. As award-winning artists took the stage, many delivered politically charged messages.

Olivia Dean leveraged her Best New Artist acceptance speech to spotlight her immigrant heritage as the granddaughter of immigrants, drawing enthusiastic applause. Rapper Bad Bunny echoed this sentiment, launching his remarks with: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say ICE out.”

He added: “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans.” Billie Eilish also weighed in, declaring: “No one is illegal on stolen land,” which triggered a wave of applause, reviews the Express.

Host Trevor Noah set the tone for political commentary early on by taking goal at rapper Nicki Minaj, who has drawn backlash for endorsing Donald Trump. Despite the audible assist within the venue, home viewers reacted with outrage to the political messaging.

On X, one viewer expressed frustration: “Felt like I was in the twilight zone, wtf is happening in the US and when did the award show about music turn into a politic circus?” Another viewer vented: “Turned the Grammys off as soon as I turned them on… wanted to see artists and watch their performances, not hear political s**t. And no, I don’t give a f*** where you align, to each their own. Over everything being saturated with that.”

A 3rd commented: “I tried to watch. Then you make political statements. Turned it off after 10 minutes. Another year of garbage.”

Trump also weighed in on the controversy, slamming the awards ceremony as the “worst, virtually unwatchable.”

He claimed that CBS is “lucky not to have this garbage litter their airways any longer”. He fumed: “Noah said INCORRECTLY about me, that Donald Trump and Bill Clinton spent time on Epstein Island. WRONG! ! ! I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the fake news media.” He also indicated that his legal group can be pursuing a lawsuit.