"ICE OUT": Pinned at the Grammys

By: Summer Bruce Edited by: Marissa Wrubleski

Every year, fans and fashion connoisseurs stalk Instagram to see the outfits chosen by each celebrity in attendance at the Grammys. Most hashtags and headlines include an analysis of their choices, ranking and comparing their selections. This year stands out especially, and outfit choice was overshadowed by a larger theme. A multitude of celebrities used the moment of publicity to convey their feelings about the most current political circumstances, and they were not subtle about it. From pins to polish, they want us to know just how they feel. 

Some celebrities are known to speak out during times of polarizing political climate, and fans even go so far as to comment and conspire when they choose not to state their feelings. This year, however, celebrities got creative by incorporating their protest into their wardrobe. A long list of attendees donned pins stating “ICE OUT” as they walked the carpet. From Justin and Hailey Bieber to Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, more than two dozen artists chose to match. Other attendees chose to speak out in more unique ways. Becky G walked the carpet displaying her anti–ICE message in her nail art. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver was photographed wearing an orange whistle pin alongside his “ICE OUT” one. When asked to elaborate on its significance, he told Variety that it was “to honor observers in Minneapolis who blow the whistle when they see ICE.” This is in light of recent interactions between ICE agents and individuals of Minneapolis; heated tensions and rising violent encounters giving way to city-wide protests, and across the country.

The protests didn’t end with the wardrobe this year, however. Even those who did not dress for the occasion found a way to participate, using their acceptance speeches as the opportunity to speak their mind. Upon accepting her Best New Artist award, Olivia Dean concluded her thanks with the comment “I am up here as a daughter of an immigrant,” a comment to which she was wildly applauded. She was not the only artist to speak out, either. Billie Eilish, who is known for her presence and advocacy in the political world received her Grammy for Song of the Year. She kept her thanks short and sweet, immediately transitioning to state that “no one is illegal on stolen land.” She has received much praise as well as backlash for her speech in the week following, and her statements have opened the doors for other celebrities to speak out as well. Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary spoke of her political efforts in an interview with FOX News, implying that celebrities should refrain from speaking about public issues and instead do nothing more than “entertain.” Social media has blown up over this discourse, with Mark Ruffalo crafting a response to him: “Why don’t you just STFU,” he writes on threads, “It’s astounding the fantasy double standard [Kevin O’Leary] lives in.” 

One of the most controversial (and dare say ironic) winners of a Grammy this year was Bad Bunny. He has been the spotlight of major controversy over the past month preceding his halftime performance at the 2026 Super Bowl. Many were outraged at his selection to be the night’s headliner, while others were thrilled at the timing of the choice. For weeks, social media influencers see-sawed the implications of a Puerto Rican artist performing at the Super Bowl amid the country’s mass deportation, the debate of which culminated at the Grammys. Bad Bunny received three Grammy Awards for his sixth album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, including Album of the Year. His acceptance speeches began with thanks for Puerto Rico and for his family, which he too followed with anti-ICE statements. Of these statements, “ICE OUT” and “The only thing more powerful than hate is love” have been awarded headlines on all social media platforms. Users on Tik Tok have contributed to the circulation of his message, and his statement that “We aren’t savage, we aren’t animals…we are humans” encouraged people to reconsider their perspective on immigration. 

There has been significant backlash following the night of the Grammys. Notable disdain from higher ranking individuals has flooded the news headlines. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was one of the first to respond, expressing that these statements are "demonizing law enforcement.” It has also been expressed that President Donald Trump was not in attendance at the Super Bowl, nor did he watch the halftime performance. There are also reports that he is undergoing threats of legal action against the Grammys host, Trevor Noah, for his dig at the President’s alleged involvement with Epstein during the 2026 Awards. 

This year’s Grammys put music on the backburner for a larger purpose. The choices made by both those in attendance as well as award winners have brought mass attention to these issues, sparking political conversation in all corners of the media. It wouldn’t be a celebrity award show without some sort of drama, but this year’s Grammys “wins the award” for most controversial as far as Fetch is concerned.

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