The 2026 Grammy Awards have concluded, crowning some of the year’s finest artists and albums, with Bad Bunny making history as the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year for his record, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (I Should’ve Taken More Photos).
it was a tight race for the night’s biggest category, as Bad Bunny triumphed over other critically acclaimed works including Justin Bieber’s “Swag;” Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem;” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Bestfriend;” Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice’s “Let God Sort Em Out;” Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX;” Tyler, The Creator’s “Chromakopia;” and Leon Thomas’ “Mutt.” The award was presented by Harry Styles.
Bad Bunny was visibly emotional when Harry announced his name, and took a few moments to recover before delivering a speech primarily in Spanish: “Puerto Rico, believe me when I say that we are so much bigger than 100 by 35 [miles], and there is nothing that exists that we can’t accomplish. Thank God, thank you to the academy, thank you to all the people who have believed in me throughout my whole career. To all the people who worked on this album. Thank you, Mami, for giving birth to me in Puerto Rico. I love you.”
He concluded by dedicating the award to “all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams.”
Simple yet striking visuals
The album cover is minimalist, featuring no people or typography — only two white plastic chairs surrounded by grass and banana trees — yet it carries profound themes of nationalism and Latin American pride.
According to Urban, the two chairs serve as a tribute to those who have left Puerto Rico and those who have passed away. This visual ties segues seamlessly to the album title, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (I Should’ve Taken More Photos).
In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Bad Bunny, a Super Bowl 2026 Half Time Show headliner, explained that the project reflects his regret over not fully cherishing moments with loved ones when he had the opportunity.
Furthermore, the inclusion of banana trees is a crucial historical symbol. The trees represent a legacy of abundance, freedom, and the strength of the community.
Going political
The 31-year-old artist — previously known for his party anthems and heartbreak tracks — pivoted toward political themes for “DTMF.” Throughout the album, he highlights the significant shifts in his homeland of Puerto Rico.
While the record celebrates the joys of island life, it also explores deep-seated frustrations. In the song “TURiSTA,” he describes witnessing the negative impact of the tourism industry, specifically how luxury development projects by external investors have marred the natural landscape.
In “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” he bravely addresses colonialism by drawing parallels between the shared experiences of Puerto Rico and Hawaii, both of which are U.S. territories.
To unify these themes, Bad Bunny released a short film featuring renowned Puerto Rican filmmaker and poet Jacobo Morales. The film follows Morales as he returns to his childhood neighborhood, only to find it unrecognizable. He is left in shock as he witnesses how American influence and rising costs have displaced locals, making it nearly impossible for them to afford living in the place they once called home.
Bad Bunny’s historic win solidifies his legacy as a cultural trailblazer who used the global stage to prove that singing in his native tongue and honoring his roots is not just a personal victory, but a powerful reclamation of Puerto Rican identity.
