British singer Olivia Dean, who won best new artist, also used her speech to speak in support of immigrants.
“I’m up here as the grand-daughter of an immigrant,” said the singer, whose grandmother Carmen was part of the Windrush generation.
“I’m a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We’re nothing without each other.”
Billie Eilish, winning song of the year for Wildflower, added her voice.
“It’s just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now,” she said.
“And I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.”
Before the Grammy ceremony started, the topic was on the lips – and lapels – of many on the red carpet. Many musicians, producers and singers donned white pins with the words “ICE OUT” in black.
Kehlani, who won two R&B awards, was among them.
“An artist’s job is to reflect the times,” she told reporters on the red carpet.
“People all over the world can see even just when we open our mouths one time, so I think we have an opportunity to use it wisely.”
Gloria Estefan said backstage that she was “very worried” about the state of the US.
“I don’t think anyone would say we want a free-for-all at the border. But what is happening is not at all criminals being arrested. These are people that have families that have contributed to this country for decades,” she told reporters.
She took home the award for best tropical Latin album for “Raíces” and expressed concerns in her speech about the ongoing immigration raids She said the country must “hold dear and true” to its democratic principles, which are “the reason why everyone wants to be here”.
Shaboozey won his first Grammy in the country duo performance category, for Amen featuring Jelly Roll. While on stage, he thanked his mother who immigrated from Nigeria, working several jobs to provide for him and his siblings.
“Immigrants built this country, so this is for them, for all children of immigrants.”