Los Angeles

Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish used her acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammy Awards to speak out in support of immigrants, drawing loud applause from the audience.

Eilish, 24, won Song of the Year for “Wildflower” and addressed the current political climate in the United States while accepting the award alongside her brother and co-writer Finneas O’Connell.

Expressing discomfort at staying silent amid what she described as widespread suffering, the singer said she felt compelled to speak. “As grateful as I feel, I honestly don't feel like I need to say anything except that no one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said, according to People magazine.

She added that she has struggled with knowing what to say or do in the present moment but remains hopeful about collective action. “It’s really hard to know what to say and what to do right now, and I just feel really hopeful in this room,” she said, urging people to continue “fighting, speaking up, and protesting”.

“Our voices really do matter, and people matter,” Eilish told the audience, receiving cheers and a standing ovation.

The singer concluded her remarks with a sharp criticism of US immigration enforcement authorities, prompting an enthusiastic response from the crowd.

Eilish was among several artists at the ceremony who used their platform to express solidarity with immigrants and their families.

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Released in May 2024 as part of her album Hit Me Hard and Soft, “Wildflower” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also nominated in the Record of the Year category. Other nominees in the Song of the Year category included works by Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter.