In a moment of high-profile confusion at the 2026 Grammy Awards, legendary singer Cher made a notable slip-up while presenting the prestigious Record of the Year award. The iconic performer mistakenly announced the winner as "Luther Vandross" before quickly correcting herself to name Kendrick Lamar.
A Memorable Mix-Up on the Grammys Stage
During the live ceremony, Cher approached the microphone to reveal the winner of one of the night's most coveted awards. Clearly flustered by technical issues, she remarked, "And the Grammy goes to, oh they told me it was going to be on the prompter, oh and the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross, no Kendrick Lamar." The awkward yet humorous moment drew mixed reactions from the star-studded audience, creating an instant viral moment.
Kendrick Lamar's Tribute to a Soul Legend
The mix-up proved particularly ironic given the context of Lamar's winning track. The 38-year-old rapper secured the Record of the Year award for his song "Luther," which features R&B sensation SZA and prominently samples late soul artist Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 classic "If This World Were Mine."
In emotional post-award comments, Lamar expressed his profound appreciation for being able to sample Vandross's work, describing the track as a heartfelt tribute to one of his favourite artists. He revealed that securing clearance for the sample brought him to tears, underscoring the deep personal significance of the musical homage.
A Night of Multiple Wins for Lamar
Kendrick Lamar entered the 2026 Grammys as the most nominated artist with nine nods, and he converted several into victories. Beyond the Record of the Year win for "Luther," he secured awards for Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for "TV Off," Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Luther," and Best Rap Performance for "Chains And Whips."
Messages of Hope and Artistic Vision
Featured artist SZA used her platform during the celebrations to deliver a message of hope and spiritual guidance. She urged people not to despair in challenging times, stating, "We're not governed by the government, we're governed by God," and encouraging trust in each other and personal conviction.
Other Highlights from Grammys 2026
The 2026 ceremony featured several other noteworthy moments beyond Cher's memorable gaffe. Bad Bunny made history with significant wins, while multiple artists used their acceptance speeches to call out U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, adding political commentary to the evening's festivities.
The blend of musical celebration, social commentary, and unexpected moments like Cher's announcement mix-up created a Grammys ceremony that will be remembered for both its artistic achievements and its unscripted human moments.
