When Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell won Song of the Year for “WILDFLOWER” at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1, the 24-year-old pop star didn’t waste her moment thanking collaborators or celebrating her achievement. Instead, she delivered one of the most politically charged acceptance speeches in Grammy history, declaring “No one is illegal on stolen land” and ending with an expletive-laden condemnation of ICE that CBS quickly censored.
The speech, delivered just one week after two American protesters were fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations in Minneapolis, transformed music’s biggest night into a political hot spot. Eilish joined Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and at least a dozen other artists who used their Grammy platform to condemn the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions sweeping across the United States.
Full Transcript: Billie Eilish’s Grammy Speech
Presented by legendary songwriter Carole King (who also wore an “ICE Out” pin), Billie Eilish and Finneas accepted the Song of the Year Grammy for “WILDFLOWER” with both siblings wearing “ICE Out” pins on their outfits.
Here is the complete, unedited transcript of Billie Eilish’s acceptance speech:
“Thank you so much. I can’t believe this. Everyone else in this category is so amazing. I love you so much.
I feel so honored every time I get to be in this room. As grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land.
It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I just, I feel really hopeful in this room. And I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and people matter.
F*** ICE.”
[At this point, CBS bleeped out the final statement, with the broadcast cutting her audio]
The camera then cut away as Finneas nodded in agreement beside her, both siblings wearing their “ICE Out” pins prominently displayed.
The “ICE Out” Movement: Context Behind the Speech
What Does “ICE Out” Mean?
“ICE Out” refers to a growing movement calling for the removal or abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement in the United States. The movement gained significant momentum in the 2020s, particularly among progressive activists, immigrant rights organizations, and artists.
The “ICE Out” pins worn by Eilish, Finneas, Carole King, and numerous other Grammy attendees specifically protested:
1. Recent ICE killings in Minneapolis – Two American protesters were fatally shot in January 2026 by federal agents conducting immigration operations
2. Violent immigration raids across Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major cities
3. Detention of children in ICE facilities
4. Trump administration immigration policies that critics say separate families and target vulnerable communities
The Minneapolis Shooting That Sparked Outrage
Just one month before the Grammys, on January 23, 2026, two American citizens—peaceful protesters opposing ICE operations—were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The deaths of these protesters amplified nationwide calls to remove ICE from cities where raids have intensified under the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown.
One of the victims was ICU nurse Alex Pretti, whose death specifically motivated many Grammy attendees to wear “ICE Out” pins in remembrance and protest.
Gloria Estefan, speaking backstage at the Grammys, captured the fear many felt: “I’m scared. There are hundreds of children in detention centers. I don’t recognize my country in this moment right now.”
Why “No One Is Illegal on Stolen Land”?
Eilish’s most quoted line—”No one is illegal on stolen land”—references the historical fact that the United States was built on land taken from Indigenous peoples through colonization, forced removal, and genocide.
The statement argues that:
1. The irony of immigration restrictions – Those enforcing immigration laws are themselves descendants of immigrants or colonizers who took the land from its original inhabitants
2. Indigenous sovereignty – The concept of “illegal immigration” is meaningless when applied to a land that was itself stolen
3. Moral authority – The United States lacks moral standing to declare people “illegal” when the nation was founded on displacement and colonization
This phrase has become a rallying cry for immigrant rights activists and has appeared on protest signs, social media, and now, one of music’s biggest stages.
Immediate Audience Reaction
Standing Ovation and Applause
Despite the controversial nature of her statement, Eilish received enthusiastic applause from the Crypto.com Arena audience. Many attendees stood and cheered, with cameras capturing teary-eyed reactions from fellow musicians.
The positive in-room response reflected the overwhelmingly liberal and progressive lean of the entertainment industry, particularly younger artists who view immigration enforcement as a human rights issue.
Other Artists Joining the Protest
Billie Eilish was far from alone in her political statement. The 2026 Grammys became a coordinated protest against ICE and immigration enforcement:
Bad Bunny – Opening his Best Música Urbana Album speech:
“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.”
Bad Bunny continued: “I know it’s tough not to hate these days. The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that’s more powerful than hate is love. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We love our people, and we love our family. And that’s the way to do it—with love.”
Olivia Dean – Best New Artist acceptance speech:
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here—I am a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other.”
Kehlani – After winning her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance:
“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling. Imma leave this and say, f*** ICE.”
Amy Allen – Songwriter of the Year (wore “ICE Out” pin)
Carole King – Wore “ICE Out” pin while presenting Song of the Year
At least a dozen artists wore “ICE Out” pins on the red carpet and during the ceremony, creating a unified visual protest that dominated Grammy coverage.
Social Media Erupts: Divided Reactions
Supportive Responses
Twitter/X exploded with praise for Eilish’s courage:
“Hell yes to Billie Eilish’s Grammys speech: ‘No one is illegal on stolen land.'”
“I love billie so f***ing much, she never backs down from speaking out for what is right, f*** ice!!”
“Billie Eilish is a QUEEN for using her platform to speak truth to power”
“The way Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny turned the Grammys into a protest is everything”
Many praised Eilish for using her massive platform (she has over 119 million Instagram followers) to amplify immigrant rights issues to an audience that might not otherwise engage with political activism.
Critical Backlash
Conservative critics and immigration enforcement supporters immediately condemned Eilish:
“Give back your mansion if you think it’s stolen land!” – A common refrain from critics who accused Eilish of hypocrisy for benefiting from American wealth while criticizing the country’s founding
“Whoever that twit was who used the ‘no one is illegal on stolen land’ tripe at the Grammys is an imbecile. Don’t know who she was nor do I care about her alleged ‘musical talent’… Truly moronic.”
“Stick to music and stay out of politics” – Many criticized celebrities for using awards shows as political platforms
“She’s rich and privileged lecturing working Americans about immigration” – Class-based criticism of wealthy celebrities advocating for policies critics say hurt working-class communities
Right-wing media outlets framed Eilish’s speech as “anti-American” and questioned whether her wealth disqualified her from commenting on stolen land.
The “Stolen Land” Debate
The phrase “stolen land” became the most debated element of Eilish’s speech, with critics arguing:
– Historical complexity – Immigration policy debates don’t require litigating 400 years of history
– Whataboutism – Every nation has complicated territorial history; singling out America is selective
– Practical irrelevance – Modern immigration law doesn’t depend on historical land claims
Supporters countered:
– Historical honesty – Acknowledging colonization doesn’t negate modern governance but provides necessary context
– Indigenous voices – Native American communities have long made this argument
– Moral consistency – A nation built by immigrants criminalizing immigration is hypocritical
CBS Censorship: What Exactly Was Bleeped?
CBS censored the final portion of Eilish’s speech, cutting her audio after she said “F*** ICE.”
What viewers heard:
“Our voices really do matter, and people matter. [BLEEP]”
What Eilish actually said:
“Our voices really do matter, and people matter. F*** ICE.”
The censorship sparked its own controversy:
Pro-censorship: Network television has FCC decency standards; profanity must be bleeped
Anti-censorship: Political speech, even with profanity, should be broadcast unedited; the censorship diminished her message’s impact
Some viewers noted the irony: CBS bleeped Eilish’s profanity but broadcast her calling America “stolen land” without issue, suggesting political content mattered less than language to network censors.
The Broader Political Context
Trump Administration Immigration Crackdown
The Grammy protests occurred during a renewed immigration enforcement push by the Trump administration, which had:
– Increased ICE raids in major cities
– Expanded detention facilities
– Implemented aggressive deportation policies
– Faced criticism for separating families at the border
Immigration has become the most divisive political issue in America, with polling showing sharp partisan divides on enforcement, pathways to citizenship, and border security.
Entertainment Industry vs. Trump
The entertainment industry, particularly younger artists, has been overwhelmingly critical of Trump’s immigration policies. The Grammy protest represented the latest clash between Hollywood and the administration.
Trump supporters have responded by:
– Boycotting artists who criticize the president
– Calling for less political content at entertainment events
– Accusing celebrities of being out of touch with “real America”
However, artists like Eilish argue their platforms come with responsibility to speak out on issues affecting their fans, many of whom are immigrants or children of immigrants.
Billie Eilish’s History of Activism
This wasn’t Eilish’s first political statement. The “Ocean Eyes” singer has consistently used her platform for activism:
Climate Change
Eilish has been a vocal climate activist, winning awards for environmental advocacy and encouraging fans to take action against climate change.
Women’s Rights
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Eilish condemned the decision and spoke about reproductive rights at concerts and in interviews.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Eilish has been a consistent ally to LGBTQ+ communities, speaking out against discrimination and supporting queer fans.
Mental Health
She’s been open about her own mental health struggles, using her visibility to reduce stigma around depression and anxiety.
Body Image
Eilish has criticized media objectification of women and promoted body positivity, famously wearing oversized clothing to avoid being sexualized.
Her Grammy speech fits this pattern: using her visibility to advocate for marginalized communities, even at the risk of commercial backlash.
Impact on Billie Eilish’s Career
Potential Consequences
Positive:
– Strengthened connection with progressive fanbase
– Positioned as artist with moral courage
– Increased respect among activist communities
– Viral moment ensuring Grammy speech is remembered
Negative:
– Potential boycotts from conservative listeners
– Radio station bans in some markets
– Corporate sponsorship complications
– Political blowback from Republican officials
Historical Precedent
Other artists who made controversial political statements at awards shows experienced varying outcomes:
Dixie Chicks (2003) – Suffered massive backlash after criticizing President Bush; eventually vindicated and career recovered
Beyoncé (2016) – Super Bowl performance criticized as anti-police; ultimately had no negative career impact
Kanye West (2009) – Taylor Swift interruption hurt his image but didn’t end his career
Eilish’s youth, massive fanbase, and the progressive lean of her audience suggest her Grammy speech will likely strengthen rather than harm her career.
The Song That Won: “WILDFLOWER”
About the Song
“WILDFLOWER” is a deeply personal ballad from Eilish’s 2024 album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” The song deals with complex emotions about a romantic relationship and finding self-worth.
Though the song wasn’t released as a single until February 2025 (making it eligible for the 2026 Grammys), it resonated strongly with voters for its vulnerable songwriting and Eilish’s signature haunting vocal delivery.
Song of the Year nominees Eilish beat:
– “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
– “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
– “Golden” – HUNTR/X
– “luther” – Kendrick Lamar with SZA
– “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
The Irony of the Win
Some observers noted the irony that Eilish used a win for a personal, non-political song to deliver a political message. The contrast between “WILDFLOWER’s” intimate lyrics and Eilish’s Grammy speech highlighted how artists can separate their art from their activism—or use awards for art as platforms for politics.
What Happens Next?
Short-Term Implications
For Immigration Debate:
The Grammy protest brought national attention to ICE enforcement and immigrant rights, potentially influencing public opinion and energizing activists
For Awards Shows:
The 2026 Grammys may inspire more political statements at upcoming ceremonies (Oscars, Emmys), or prompt organizers to discourage overtly political content
For Billie Eilish:
Her speech will be referenced for years as an example of celebrity activism, ensuring her Grammy moment transcends the award itself
Long-Term Cultural Impact
Eilish’s speech represents a generational shift in how celebrities approach politics:
Older generation: “Stick to entertainment; avoid alienating fans with politics”
Younger generation: “Use your platform for change; silence is complicity”
As Gen Z and Millennial artists dominate entertainment, expect more political content at awards shows, not less. Eilish’s speech may be remembered as a turning point when music’s biggest night became unavoidably political.
Conclusion: A Defining Grammy Moment
Billie Eilish’s 2026 Grammy speech will be studied, debated, and referenced for years. Whether you view it as courageous advocacy or inappropriate politicization, one thing is certain: it mattered.
In a moment when she could have thanked producers, record labels, and fans, Eilish chose to say what she believed needed saying, consequences be damned. She transformed a personal achievement into a political statement, using her platform to amplify voices of those affected by immigration enforcement.
The speech encapsulates the current cultural moment: deeply divided, intensely political, and impossible to ignore. Music’s biggest night became a referendum on American immigration policy, with Billie Eilish leading the charge.
As Bad Bunny said in his speech, the choice is between hate and love. Eilish made clear which side she’s on.
“No one is illegal on stolen land. F*** ICE.”
Those seven words will define the 2026 Grammys long after the awards are forgotten.
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