Justin And Hailey Bieber Make Bold Grammy Return

The 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena was more than just a parade of high fashion and musical talent—it became a stage for both personal comebacks and pointed political statements. Justin Bieber, 31, and his wife Hailey Bieber, 29, made their first official red carpet appearance together since 2022, turning heads not just with their coordinated black designer outfits and dazzling diamonds, but also with bold activism, wearing pins emblazoned with the message “ICE OUT.”

The couple’s return marked a significant milestone. Justin Bieber, whose career had been paused by health struggles and the cancellation of his Justice World Tour in 2023 due to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, was nominated for four Grammys, including the coveted Album of the Year for his latest release, Swag. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bieber’s nominations spanned Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Swag, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Daisies,” and Best R&B Performance for “YUKON.” This was also set to be his first major performance in four years, a moment fans and industry insiders alike had eagerly anticipated.

Hailey Bieber, herself a model and entrepreneur, matched her husband’s sartorial splendor in a strapless black Alaïa gown with sheer panels along the legs. Her accessories—a silver collar necklace featuring a 30-carat pear-shaped diamond, matching 20-carat earrings, and a 12-carat ring, all by Lorraine Schwartz—were as eye-catching as the political pins she wore. Justin, meanwhile, sported an oversized black Balenciaga suit and a 100-carat diamond tennis necklace by Lorraine Schwartz, underscoring the couple’s flair for high fashion and coordinated statements. Both completed their looks with the now-iconic “ICE OUT” pins.

The pins, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, were not merely decorative. They formed part of a growing campaign led by the American Civil Liberties Union, Maremoto, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Working Families Power. The campaign was launched after the high-profile killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal law enforcement, events that sparked national outrage over the tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. The campaign’s goal, according to Working Families Power’s Nelini Stamp, was to ensure that “every single cultural event that people see this message of ‘ICE OUT’ and ‘BE GOOD.’” The pins had already appeared at the Golden Globes and Sundance Film Festival, and their presence at the Grammys signaled a continued push for visibility and change.

Other stars, including Billie Eilish, Finneas, Kehlani, and songwriter Amy Allen, joined the Biebers in wearing the pins. Kehlani, in a red carpet interview with The Hollywood Reporter, was unequivocal: “We’re too powerful of a group to all be in a room at the same time and not make some kind of statement in our country. It’s brainless to me.” Amy Allen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of using the Grammys’ massive platform to “spread the word and get the message out that obviously change needs to happen in this country in so many ways.”

The Biebers’ appearance was not just about activism or style—it was also a testament to their personal journey as a couple. Their marriage, often scrutinized by the public and press, had faced its own challenges. According to Us Weekly, sources close to the couple noted that the “intense focus and emotional toll of creating new music had put a strain on their marriage,” particularly as Justin became consumed by his work in the studio. But by August 2025, “the tension has settled,” and the couple had “been able to finally reconnect more.” Justin’s behavior was described as “more relaxed” in the weeks leading up to the Grammys, buoyed by positive reviews and fan reception to his new music. “He is very happy there have been positive reviews of the album and that fans like it,” the source said.

Hailey, described as the “driving force” behind Justin’s decision to return to the stage, reportedly “assured” him that “now is the best time” to perform again. Her support was not limited to his musical career; in a November 2025 interview with GQ, Hailey spoke about the couple’s efforts to protect their family’s privacy, especially after welcoming their one-year-old son, Jack. “We’re just taking it a day at a time,” she said. “We both feel very protective of our son, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change, but our life is our life and it is really public, so I think we’re just going to cross every bridge that we need to when we get there. But as of right now, I feel really comfortable about the way we are sharing things and not sharing things.”

The Biebers’ coordinated return to the Grammys was, in many ways, symbolic of their renewed partnership—both in marriage and in public life. Justin’s albums Swag and Swag II contain songs that candidly address the couple’s struggles, including tracks like “Daisies” and “Walking Away.” The latter album, released after the 2026 Grammys eligibility period, is already being eyed as a contender for the 2027 awards, according to Elle.

Justin’s performance at the Grammys was especially poignant given his limited appearances in recent years. After his 2023 tour cancellation and a brief return to the stage at the 2024 NHL All-Star Player draft in Toronto, the Grammys marked a full-circle moment. In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram after canceling his tour, Justin had written, “After getting off stage, the exhaustion overtook me and I realized that I need to make my health the priority right now. So I’m going to take a break from touring for the time being. I’m going to be ok, but I need time to rest and get better.”

Looking ahead, the momentum continues. Justin is set to headline Coachella in April 2026 alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, and Anyma, with Hailey reportedly cheering him on as his “incredibly supportive” partner. The couple’s journey—marked by resilience, reinvention, and a willingness to use their platform for activism—has resonated with fans and observers alike.

As the Grammys unfolded, the “ICE OUT” pins served as a reminder that music and celebrity culture can be powerful tools for social change. For Justin and Hailey Bieber, their return to the spotlight was not only a celebration of artistry and partnership but also a statement of solidarity with those calling for justice and reform.