Colombian artist J Balvin spoke candidly about representing Latin music and immigrants ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards. When asked what it means to represent his country and genre, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts: "We gotta keep showing up." This is not just about one artist; it's a movement that requires unity and support among peers.
The significance of Latin music on a global scale cannot be denied. Balvin expressed pride in his own journey, starting out with a singular focus on himself before shifting the spotlight to promoting Latino artists and culture. His mission has always been centered around giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unnoticed.
When asked about performing at previous Grammys, Balvin's excitement was palpable. The experience not only humbles him but also allows him to appreciate the diversity of artistry beyond his genre. "I've always been a big fan of music in general," he said, demonstrating that even after years in the spotlight, he remains starstruck by the opportunity to engage with other artists.
More critically, Balvin addressed the current ICE raids and their impact on immigrants and Latinos alike. The separation of families, the hardships faced by many who work hard but remain invisible – these are issues he feels strongly about. "We are really important in this country," he said firmly. "Not everyone is willing to do the jobs we do here."
In the midst of a chaotic world, music serves as a unifying force for Balvin. It's not just love; it's also hard work and struggles that have shaped him. When asked about his own experiences with hardship, Balvin shared stories from his past, including his days painting houses to make ends meet.
Balvin's success has culminated in the release of his Grammy-nominated album Mixteip, which caps off a successful year marked by sold-out tours and performances at high-profile events. His North American leg of the Back to the Rayo tour concluded in May, and he took to social media just days later to share his excitement about performing at the halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final.
The Grammys offer Balvin an opportunity not only to celebrate his own achievements but also to appreciate artists from various genres. In this moment, he feels grateful for the chance to experience something so rare – respect and admiration for peers who have shaped him as an artist. As a symbol of resilience and determination, music brings people together in times of struggle, and Balvin's voice serves as a testament to its enduring power.
The significance of Latin music on a global scale cannot be denied. Balvin expressed pride in his own journey, starting out with a singular focus on himself before shifting the spotlight to promoting Latino artists and culture. His mission has always been centered around giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unnoticed.
When asked about performing at previous Grammys, Balvin's excitement was palpable. The experience not only humbles him but also allows him to appreciate the diversity of artistry beyond his genre. "I've always been a big fan of music in general," he said, demonstrating that even after years in the spotlight, he remains starstruck by the opportunity to engage with other artists.
More critically, Balvin addressed the current ICE raids and their impact on immigrants and Latinos alike. The separation of families, the hardships faced by many who work hard but remain invisible – these are issues he feels strongly about. "We are really important in this country," he said firmly. "Not everyone is willing to do the jobs we do here."
In the midst of a chaotic world, music serves as a unifying force for Balvin. It's not just love; it's also hard work and struggles that have shaped him. When asked about his own experiences with hardship, Balvin shared stories from his past, including his days painting houses to make ends meet.
Balvin's success has culminated in the release of his Grammy-nominated album Mixteip, which caps off a successful year marked by sold-out tours and performances at high-profile events. His North American leg of the Back to the Rayo tour concluded in May, and he took to social media just days later to share his excitement about performing at the halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final.
The Grammys offer Balvin an opportunity not only to celebrate his own achievements but also to appreciate artists from various genres. In this moment, he feels grateful for the chance to experience something so rare – respect and admiration for peers who have shaped him as an artist. As a symbol of resilience and determination, music brings people together in times of struggle, and Balvin's voice serves as a testament to its enduring power.
balvin is doing it for the culture and for his community no cap he's not just repping himself he's reppin for all the latin artists who don't get the recognition they deserve it's not just about one person it's a movement that needs unity and support i love how he spoke about the struggles of being an immigrant in this country and how we need to be seen and heard our voices matter, especially when it comes to issues like ice raids it's heartbreaking to hear families being separated and people struggling to make ends meet but balvin's message is one of hope and resilience music has always been a source of unity for me and it sounds like it's the same for balvin he's using his platform to spread love and positivity and i am here for it 
. I mean, think about it - he's not just talking about representing Latin music, but also about the immigrant experience and the struggles that come with it 
. And you know what? It's a message we all need to hear right now 
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. And let's be real, his story is inspiring on so many levels - from painting houses as a kid to becoming one of the biggest names in music 
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. It's not just about J Balvin's success, but about how he's using his platform to make a difference 
.
I think it's dope that J Balvin is speaking out about the importance of unity among Latin artists and the struggles faced by immigrants. It's like, we need more voices coming together to amplify each other's stories 
. And I love how he's not afraid to share his own struggles, like working hard to make ends meet, because that's what makes him human 
.
but balvin's story takes it to the next level 
he's not just talking about the struggles but also celebrating the love and resilience that got him through 
i'm so hyped for him to perform at the halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final 
it's like music is bringing everyone together again 
like the whole world is just waiting for some Latin artist to tell them to show up and represent their culture already 
anyway, i guess it's great that he's using his platform to speak out about ICE raids and the struggles faced by immigrants and Latinos 
but can we talk about how he went from painting houses to selling out stadiums in like 5 years tho? what a wild ride 
I gotta say, J Balvin is straight up inspiring 
. It's time we started celebrating our differences instead of hiding behind them 
. Can't wait to see him rock that halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup final 
. I mean, who else is gonna shed light on these issues besides artists? His story is super inspiring - from painting houses to making it big in music. That's hustle and determination right there 
. balvin's right though, it's all about the collective efforts and supporting each other 
, meanwhile everyone else is over here grinding out music in their bedrooms 
. balvin's story is inspiring though, he's not afraid to speak up about the struggles of immigrants and latinx people 
. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE HIM WHO ARE WILLING TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST INJUSTICE AND SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE NEEDED THE MOST 
. HE'S NOT JUST A STAR, HE'S A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE 
. What if he's being groomed to be a symbol of resistance or something? 
. I'm excited to see how his performance at the Grammys will bring attention to these important issues 
Music is defo the best way 2 bring ppl together 
. It's all about unity & support, like he said 
. It's not right that ppl work hard but go invisible 
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I'm low-key hyped for J Balvin's Grammys speech tbh!