Bad Bunny made Grammy history Sunday night, becoming the first artist ever to win Album of the Year with a Spanish-language record.
The global superstar claimed the top prize at the 68th Grammy Awards for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a cultural juggernaut that topped a stacked category featuring Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator, Leon Thomas, and the reunited Clipse lineup of Pusha T and Malice.
Visibly emotional as he reached the stage, Bad Bunny took a moment to collect himself before delivering much of his acceptance speech in Spanish. He thanked God, the Recording Academy, his mother, and the collaborators who helped bring the album to life before switching to English to dedicate the win to immigrant communities.
“This award is for everyone who had to leave their homeland to chase a dream,” he said, drawing a prolonged standing ovation.
The victory caps a landmark Grammys night for the artist. Earlier in the ceremony, Bad Bunny also won Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance for EoO, and earned an additional nomination in the newly introduced Best Album Cover category.
His Album of the Year win builds on a steady trail of firsts. When nominations were announced late last year, Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-language artist ever nominated in the same year for Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Three years earlier, Un Verano Sin Ti made history as the first Spanish-language album nominated for Album of the Year, though it ultimately lost to Harry Styles’ Harry’s House.
Now, he’s crossed the finish line.
The win also adds to an already formidable Grammy résumé. Prior to Sunday, Bad Bunny had earned three Grammys: two for Best Música Urbana Album (El Último Tour Del Mundo and Un Verano Sin Ti) and one for Best Latin Pop or Urban Album (YHLQMDLG). He has now amassed 16 Grammy nominations over his career.
The timing of the milestone is notable. Next week, Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, marking his first time leading the event after appearing as a guest during Jennifer Lopez and Shakira’s 2020 performance.
The announcement has drawn political backlash, including criticism from President Donald Trump and conservative commentators. Trump has publicly stated he will not attend the game and has made inflammatory remarks regarding ICE presence.
Bad Bunny has not directly responded, but last month released a teaser for the halftime show featuring dancers of different cultures, ages, and styles, ending with a simple declaration: the world will dance.
With Debí Tirar Más Fotos, that message now carries historic weight—reshaping what the Grammys recognize at the highest level and redefining the boundaries of global pop in the process.
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