Shaboozey addresses backlash to Grammy speech about immigrants
- - Shaboozey addresses backlash to Grammy speech about immigrants
KiMi Robinson and Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYFebruary 5, 2026 at 9:34 AM
0
Shaboozey is addressing online criticism of his emotional Grammys acceptance speech.
The 30-year-old said in a Feb. 3 X post that he wanted to "acknowledge the conversation" surrounding his speech at the Grammy Awards honoring immigrants after he received criticism for not mentioning Black Americans.
The singer, who won the Grammy for best country duo/group performance, clarified his intent behind saying onstage at the awards show that immigrants "built this country, literally," as he honored his immigrant mother.
"To be clear, I know and believe that we – Black people, have also built this country," he said in his statement on X.
Shaboozey accepts the best country duo/group performance award at the Grammys on Feb. 1, 2026.
"My words were never intended to dismiss that truth. I am both a Black man and the son of Nigerian immigrants and in the overwhelming moment of winning my first Grammy my focus was on honoring the sacrifices my parents made by coming to this country to give me and my siblings opportunities they never had," he wrote.
The "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" singer continued that his win, which came on the first day of Black History Month, "stands on the foundation laid by generations of Black people who fought, sacrificed, and succeeded long before me. This moment belongs to all of us."
Shaboozey won the Grammy for best country duo/group performance for "Amen," a song he released with Jelly Roll. This was the first Grammy win of his career after eight nominations, including three this year.
A letter from me 🖤 pic.twitter.com/DgcOavMHjx
— Shaboozey (@ShaboozeysJeans) February 3, 2026
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What did Shaboozey say in his Grammys speech?
During his acceptance speech, Shaboozey (born Collins Obinna Chibueze) thanked his Nigerian mother, who raised him in Virginia.
"She worked three to four jobs just to provide for me and my four siblings as an immigrant in this country. Thank you, mom," the singer said, noting that his mom is now retired after 30 years of working "as a registered nurse in a psych ward."
After thanking the "greatest team in the world," the country music star went on to dedicate his award to "all children of immigrants."
Billie Eilish used her Grammys acceptance speech for song of the year to encourage people to continue to stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Wearing an "ICE Out" pin, she told the audience at the Feb. 1 awards show to "keep fighting" amid a ramp up in ICE raids across the country as part of President Trump's mass deportation efforts. Scroll through to see the other celebrities that sported "ICE Out" pins at the 2026 Grammys.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Billie Eilish used her Grammys acceptance speech for song of the year to encourage people to continue to stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Wearing an "ICE Out" pin, she told the audience at the Feb. 1 awards show to "keep fighting" amid a ramp up in ICE raids across the country as part of President Trump's mass deportation efforts. Scroll through to see the other celebrities that sported "ICE Out" pins at the 2026 Grammys.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PBmMo19Xlt1Ccm6HoXM4kw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ee86b244bd3228b5bbb0b6bfb5d88135 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Billie Eilish used her Grammys acceptance speech for song of the year to encourage people to continue to stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Wearing an "ICE Out" pin, she told the audience at the Feb. 1 awards show to "keep fighting" amid a ramp up in ICE raids across the country as part of President Trump's mass deportation efforts. Scroll through to see the other celebrities that sported "ICE Out" pins at the 2026 Grammys.
">Billie Eilish used her Grammys acceptance speech for song of the year to encourage people to continue to stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Wearing an "ICE Out" pin, she told the audience at the Feb. 1 awards show to "keep fighting" amid a ramp up in ICE raids across the country as part of President Trump's mass deportation efforts. Scroll through to see the other celebrities that sported "ICE Out" pins at the 2026 Grammys.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/PBmMo19Xlt1Ccm6HoXM4kw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ee86b244bd3228b5bbb0b6bfb5d88135 class=caas-img>Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber pose on the red carpet wearing "ICE Out" pins.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KWDDBD6fiXG8FPdqo.0Oyg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/faaa56bbcc4e1e681aa21a887e5b067d class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber pose on the red carpet wearing "ICE Out" pins.
">Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber pose on the red carpet wearing "ICE Out" pins.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KWDDBD6fiXG8FPdqo.0Oyg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/faaa56bbcc4e1e681aa21a887e5b067d class=caas-img>A close up of Bieber on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a9ShA0HelZ8wt0B3EtqBZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44c45093a8343fb65e1291adca74d0a6 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
A close up of Bieber on the red carpet.
">A close up of Bieber on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a9ShA0HelZ8wt0B3EtqBZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44c45093a8343fb65e1291adca74d0a6 class=caas-img>Hailey Bieber poses on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SfU8U7I9erq_tTXI97L4yA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a69d9700f83dd6a708b7c2bd832ec69d class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Hailey Bieber poses on the red carpet.
">Hailey Bieber poses on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SfU8U7I9erq_tTXI97L4yA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a69d9700f83dd6a708b7c2bd832ec69d class=caas-img>A close up of Hailey Bieber's "ICE Out" pin, fixed to her black ensemble.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4kUdHOO8JnkB3mTThZN4aA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e6a401c748a7576cb9e8a9b72070439 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
A close up of Hailey Bieber's "ICE Out" pin, fixed to her black ensemble.
">A close up of Hailey Bieber's "ICE Out" pin, fixed to her black ensemble.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4kUdHOO8JnkB3mTThZN4aA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e6a401c748a7576cb9e8a9b72070439 class=caas-img>Rhiannon Giddens poses with an instrument and "ICE Out" pin.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.f6HP36jz3X9mPzk0BGJ_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6ee96e220fd18b147147b33850ede90 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Rhiannon Giddens poses with an instrument and "ICE Out" pin.
">Rhiannon Giddens poses with an instrument and "ICE Out" pin.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.f6HP36jz3X9mPzk0BGJ_Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6ee96e220fd18b147147b33850ede90 class=caas-img>Carole King takes the stage with her “ICE out” pin.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QtRGzZ.py897_XZ3MlqjAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e10acc8094899ba270e0a0d60b21a1e9 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Carole King takes the stage with her “ICE out” pin.
">Carole King takes the stage with her “ICE out” pin.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QtRGzZ.py897_XZ3MlqjAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e10acc8094899ba270e0a0d60b21a1e9 class=caas-img>Joni Mitchell wears an "ICE Out" pin as she accepts the best historical album award for "Joni Mitchell Archives - Volume 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OCFVJvrver.MmxR03UslYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d983e164a1af613a842854f9ca3eea9e class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Joni Mitchell wears an "ICE Out" pin as she accepts the best historical album award for "Joni Mitchell Archives - Volume 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980."
">Joni Mitchell wears an "ICE Out" pin as she accepts the best historical album award for "Joni Mitchell Archives - Volume 4: The Asylum Years 1976-1980."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OCFVJvrver.MmxR03UslYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d983e164a1af613a842854f9ca3eea9e class=caas-img>Brandi Carlile arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, pairing her "ICE Out" pin with a sleek suit.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XF5nNNh0CAPrxee9IEA5yA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1781db23626d22d65dc5a61fa52ff856 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Brandi Carlile arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, pairing her "ICE Out" pin with a sleek suit.
">Brandi Carlile arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, pairing her "ICE Out" pin with a sleek suit.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XF5nNNh0CAPrxee9IEA5yA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1781db23626d22d65dc5a61fa52ff856 class=caas-img>Kehlani wears an "ICE out" pin while posing on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LvzwqmzdaXt2qZyQ6CpFzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMzQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a8788abb7174bf4c24e874a18f9d1a03 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Kehlani wears an "ICE out" pin while posing on the red carpet.
">Kehlani wears an "ICE out" pin while posing on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LvzwqmzdaXt2qZyQ6CpFzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMzQ4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a8788abb7174bf4c24e874a18f9d1a03 class=caas-img>Amy Allen wears an “ICE out” pin as she accepts the songwriter of the year, non-classical award during the Grammy awards premiere ceremony.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v_YPYiYFx2CUp6i1WG5kIg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/33cbf309ccaef4addedf68cd57feb8af class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Amy Allen wears an “ICE out” pin as she accepts the songwriter of the year, non-classical award during the Grammy awards premiere ceremony.
">Amy Allen wears an “ICE out” pin as she accepts the songwriter of the year, non-classical award during the Grammy awards premiere ceremony.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v_YPYiYFx2CUp6i1WG5kIg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/33cbf309ccaef4addedf68cd57feb8af class=caas-img>A close up of Allen's pin.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/47CSE_CYABqVjbWNgVhzSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b89f8f79fea67c65e1d375ec1d6c314e class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
A close up of Allen's pin.
">A close up of Allen's pin.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/47CSE_CYABqVjbWNgVhzSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b89f8f79fea67c65e1d375ec1d6c314e class=caas-img>Joy Graves sports an "Ice Out" pin on her heavily embroidered jacket.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wNUSXB8wsVycvpGLwxlapg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b808b0513b526ff0f6e0cd67b76e0297 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Joy Graves sports an "Ice Out" pin on her heavily embroidered jacket.
">Joy Graves sports an "Ice Out" pin on her heavily embroidered jacket.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wNUSXB8wsVycvpGLwxlapg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b808b0513b526ff0f6e0cd67b76e0297 class=caas-img>Billie Eilish poses on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2bvZDQi6Si41ab7WmkKEdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41d8d27034e65582b0be56ab4062df6d class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Billie Eilish poses on the red carpet.
">Billie Eilish poses on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2bvZDQi6Si41ab7WmkKEdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41d8d27034e65582b0be56ab4062df6d class=caas-img>Donnacha Dennehy wears an "ICE Out" pin on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UeEJG6kFhM6LS5NsmsGLUA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c2a463c77e0f3a1bae745c5dd23a654 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Donnacha Dennehy wears an "ICE Out" pin on the red carpet.
">Donnacha Dennehy wears an "ICE Out" pin on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UeEJG6kFhM6LS5NsmsGLUA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c2a463c77e0f3a1bae745c5dd23a654 class=caas-img>Helen J. Shen fixed her “Ice Out” pin to the neckline of a sleek black dress.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/o70o_5Ae.W1KdGUBknPiHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a3aaa7f3699ab959c115ce366d946cf class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Helen J. Shen fixed her “Ice Out” pin to the neckline of a sleek black dress.
">Helen J. Shen fixed her “Ice Out” pin to the neckline of a sleek black dress.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/o70o_5Ae.W1KdGUBknPiHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a3aaa7f3699ab959c115ce366d946cf class=caas-img>Brandi and Catherine Carlile wear “ICE Out” pins as they pose on the red carpet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Jc.dVzwrX7ptuypwX4yiHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/03e6d45cb2d373889c92fa9b03c331d4 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Brandi and Catherine Carlile wear “ICE Out” pins as they pose on the red carpet.
">Brandi and Catherine Carlile wear “ICE Out” pins as they pose on the red carpet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Jc.dVzwrX7ptuypwX4yiHw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/03e6d45cb2d373889c92fa9b03c331d4 class=caas-img>Jordan Tyson wears an “ICE Out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yU1eaW_8y4r6j.gx8CCXEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dc4bddee55a0a1067132aee93ae00a2 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Jordan Tyson wears an “ICE Out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
">Jordan Tyson wears an “ICE Out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yU1eaW_8y4r6j.gx8CCXEg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dc4bddee55a0a1067132aee93ae00a2 class=caas-img>Kamal Wilson wears an “ICE out” pin.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LAc.Ar6jOHZqRdlApGaRyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c8e819354776fd629f44b32df97e31e1 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Kamal Wilson wears an “ICE out” pin.
">Kamal Wilson wears an “ICE out” pin.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LAc.Ar6jOHZqRdlApGaRyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c8e819354776fd629f44b32df97e31e1 class=caas-img>Niia wears an “ICE out” pin while performing during the Greammy Museum's after party.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T07iCma.QD8DRj0RIgfeCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f5ad7d1ca345ff2d275f1659f1e78d5c class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Niia wears an “ICE out” pin while performing during the Greammy Museum's after party.
">Niia wears an “ICE out” pin while performing during the Greammy Museum's after party.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T07iCma.QD8DRj0RIgfeCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f5ad7d1ca345ff2d275f1659f1e78d5c class=caas-img>Alan Pierson (R) wears an “ICE out” pin as he accepts the best chamber music/small ensemble performance award for "Dennehy: Land Of Winter."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UXDojy_3ZI933UxwI3DADg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ea2cb4fa49246dab1247e434d09b229 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Alan Pierson (R) wears an “ICE out” pin as he accepts the best chamber music/small ensemble performance award for "Dennehy: Land Of Winter."
">Alan Pierson (R) wears an “ICE out” pin as he accepts the best chamber music/small ensemble performance award for "Dennehy: Land Of Winter."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UXDojy_3ZI933UxwI3DADg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ea2cb4fa49246dab1247e434d09b229 class=caas-img>Lili Haydn and Paul Cantelon pose on the red carpet with "ICE Out" pins.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lXBOeQDBhRuHwPF7NxKqvg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7a1d9ac22647dcdfbb2cc745e44753b0 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Lili Haydn and Paul Cantelon pose on the red carpet with "ICE Out" pins.
">Lili Haydn and Paul Cantelon pose on the red carpet with "ICE Out" pins.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lXBOeQDBhRuHwPF7NxKqvg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7a1d9ac22647dcdfbb2cc745e44753b0 class=caas-img>Trombone player Addison Maye-Saxon, wearing an “ICE Out” pin.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G.lcmg0iihgJ1C.iuxkoXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fdb136230670354324bac9ad23e08cd7 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Trombone player Addison Maye-Saxon, wearing an “ICE Out” pin.
">Trombone player Addison Maye-Saxon, wearing an “ICE Out” pin.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G.lcmg0iihgJ1C.iuxkoXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fdb136230670354324bac9ad23e08cd7 class=caas-img>Kehlani wears an “ICE out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.iRIu45ImXEvVXVHW8g0Yw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cdbd2be0da912a300b705a87d1d54b92 class=caas-img data-headline="See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys" data-caption="
Kehlani wears an “ICE out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
">Kehlani wears an “ICE out” pin as she arrives for the 68th annual Grammy Awards.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.iRIu45ImXEvVXVHW8g0Yw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cdbd2be0da912a300b705a87d1d54b92 class=caas-img>
1 / 24See Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber wearing 'ICE Out' pins at Grammys
Billie Eilish used her Grammys acceptance speech for song of the year to encourage people to continue to stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Wearing an "ICE Out" pin, she told the audience at the Feb. 1 awards show to "keep fighting" amid a ramp up in ICE raids across the country as part of President Trump's mass deportation efforts. Scroll through to see the other celebrities that sported "ICE Out" pins at the 2026 Grammys.
"Immigrants built this country, literally," Shaboozey said, with tears running down his face. "This is also for those who came to this country in search of better opportunity, to be a part of a nation that promises freedom for all and equal opportunity to everyone willing to work for it."
He finished his speech by saying, "Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your traditions here. You give America color. I love you all so much. Thank you."
Shaboozey poses in the press room during the Grammy Awards on Feb. 1, 2026 in Los Angeles.
The remarks received some pushback on social media, with one Instagram user commenting on the singer's most recent post, "Shoutout to the Black AMERICANS who built this country."
Another user wrote, "At the end of the day, no one's gonna have your back like black Americans, and the fact that you're trying to isolate us is weird. Shame on you. Black Americans did in fact build this country."
Contributing: Audrey Gibbs, USA TODAY Network
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shaboozey addresses Grammys speech backlash after immigrant comments
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
