The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony proved to be an unforgettable night of music, politics, and controversy, delivering a spectacular blend of historic achievements and headline-grabbing moments that captivated audiences worldwide.
Historic Milestones and Record-Breaking Triumphs
Kendrick Lamar quietly rewrote Grammy history during the non-televised premiere ceremony, securing three additional awards to bring his total to twenty-seven trophies. This remarkable achievement officially surpassed Jay-Z's long-standing record of twenty-five Grammy wins, cementing Lamar's status as one of the most decorated artists in the awards' prestigious history. His victories included Best Rap Performance for Chains & Whips, Best Melodic Rap Performance for luther with SZA, and Best Rap Song for tv off.
Unexpected Wins and Emotional Speeches
The evening produced several surprising victories that left audiences stunned. Lola Young, a first-time nominee, pulled off a major upset by winning Best Pop Solo Performance for her breakout hit Messy. The overwhelmed singer delivered an uncensored expletive during her acceptance speech, creating an authentic viral moment. Meanwhile, Olivia Dean claimed the coveted Best New Artist award, using her platform to honor her immigrant heritage with a powerful statement about bravery and celebration.
Political Statements Take Center Stage
Politics emerged as a recurring theme throughout the ceremony, with multiple artists using their platform to address social issues. Bad Bunny delivered a pointed anti-ICE message during his acceptance speech for Best Música Urbana Album, declaring 'ICE out!' before thanking anyone else. His statement received thunderous applause from the Crypto.com Arena audience.
Billie Eilish made one of the night's most explicit political declarations while accepting Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, stating 'No one is illegal on stolen land' before exiting the stage with a bleeped profane remark. The political sentiment extended to fashion as well, with numerous celebrities including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, and Joni Mitchell wearing visible 'ICE OUT' pins on the red carpet and during performances.
Controversial Moments and Technical Challenges
Sabrina Carpenter found herself at the center of significant backlash after incorporating a live dove into her performance. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a sharply worded statement condemning the moment, warning that 'bright lights, loud noise, and handling cause fear and distress for a bird who belongs flying free in the open sky.' The organization referenced Carpenter's own lyrics in their criticism, creating an awkward juxtaposition for the rising star.
Technical difficulties also marred portions of the ceremony, most notably during Alex Warren's performance in the Best New Artist medley. The artist struggled with sound malfunctions and potential in-ear monitor issues during his rendition of Ordinary, yet managed to maintain his composure and deliver a professional finish despite the setbacks.
Memorable Performances and Career Milestones
Reba McEntire finally made her long-awaited Grammy performance debut after more than four decades in the music industry, anchoring the emotional In Memoriam segment with a poignant rendition of Trailblazer alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. The country legend's heartfelt performance provided one of the evening's most touching moments.
Post Malone fronted an all-star tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne during the same segment, performing War Pigs with Slash, Chad Smith, and Duff McKagan as Osbourne's family watched tearfully from the audience. The tribute honored the rock icon who passed away in July 2025 following a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Fashion Statements and Presentation Mishaps
Chappell Roan generated significant buzz before the ceremony even began with a sheer burgundy mesh gown that exposed her nipple piercings on the red carpet. The daring fashion choice went viral across social media platforms, showcasing the artist's bold aesthetic. However, Roan later found herself in familiar territory when she struggled to read the teleprompter while presenting the Best New Artist award, echoing her previous difficulties at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Cher delivered one of the night's most chaotic moments while presenting Record of the Year, accidentally announcing the late Luther Vandross as the winner before correcting herself to reveal Kendrick Lamar and SZA as the actual recipients for luther. The seventy-nine-year-old icon laughed off the mistake as Lamar took the stage.
Host Commentary and Complete Winners List
Host Trevor Noah wasted no time stirring controversy during his explosive opening monologue, roasting Nicki Minaj for her support of Donald Trump and delivering a racy impersonation of the former president. Noah also took jabs at Jeff Bezos and disgraced mogul Sean Combs, creating a politically charged atmosphere from the ceremony's outset.
The complete winners list showcased diverse musical excellence across genres, with Bad Bunny earning Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS winning Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, and Lady Gaga claiming Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM. The awards distribution reflected the evolving landscape of contemporary music while honoring established legends and emerging talents alike.
