In a groundbreaking moment for music history, global superstar Bad Bunny has secured the Album of the Year award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, delivering a profoundly moving acceptance speech primarily in Spanish that has since been translated into English for wider audiences.
A Historic Night for Latin Music
The 2026 Grammy ceremony proved to be a monumental evening for Bad Bunny, whose album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS not only clinched the prestigious Album of the Year honour but also marked the first time a Spanish-language album has ever won this top category. This victory follows his earlier win for Best Música Urbana Album, during which he made a powerful statement by declaring, "I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans."
The Emotional Acceptance Speech
Presented by previous winner Harry Styles, the Album of the Year announcement prompted a standing ovation from the entire audience as Bad Bunny took to the stage visibly emotional. The beloved Puerto Rican artist dedicated his speech to immigrants worldwide, delivering his heartfelt words in Spanish. An English translation reveals the full depth of his message:
"I want to dedicate this award to all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams. Puerto Rico, believe me when I say that we are so much bigger than 100 by 35 and there is nothing that exists that we can’t accomplish. Thank God, thank you to the academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my whole career. To all the people who worked on this album. Thank you, mami, for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico. I love you."
A Competitive Field and Historic Precedents
Bad Bunny's triumph came against formidable competition in the Album of the Year category, which featured outstanding works from major artists including:
- Clipse with Let God Sort Em Out
- Justin Bieber's SWAG
- Kendrick Lamar's GNX
- Lady Gaga's MAYHEM
- Leon Thomas with MUTT
- Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend
- Tyler, The Creator's Chromokopia
This victory places Bad Bunny in the esteemed company of recent Album of the Year winners, following Beyoncé's 2025 win for Cowboy Carter and Taylor Swift's 2024 triumph with Midnights. The significance of this achievement extends beyond personal accomplishment, representing a landmark moment for Spanish-language music on the global stage.
The translation of Bad Bunny's speech has allowed English-speaking audiences worldwide to appreciate the full emotional weight and cultural significance of his words, particularly his dedication to immigrants and his celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. This historic win underscores the growing influence and recognition of Latin music within the mainstream music industry, marking a pivotal moment in Grammy history that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists.
