Grammys Producer Insists Cher Was Properly Briefed Before Award Ceremony Mishap
Grammy Awards executive producer Ben Winston has addressed the chaotic moment during Sunday's ceremony when music icon Cher mistakenly announced the late R&B legend Luther Vandross as the winner of Record of the Year. The 79-year-old singer, who had earlier received a Lifetime Achievement Award, caused confusion when she read Vandross's name instead of the actual winners Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their collaborative track "Luther."
"We Had Briefed Her": Producer's Assurance
Speaking on Rolling Stone's Music Now podcast, Winston firmly stated that the mishap was not planned or scripted, despite thorough preparations. "I promise you, we had briefed her, and I promise you, what she had to do was in the prompter," Winston explained, referring to the teleprompter system used during live broadcasts. Interestingly, the producer expressed no regret about the incident, adding, "I'd want that to happen again. [Cher's] happy with it. She had a great time. You want a bit of anarchy."
The Confusing Presentation Sequence
The presentation began with Cher appearing uncertain about her role, telling the audience, "I guess I'm supposed to walk off now," before slowly exiting the stage. Host Trevor Noah had to call her back, requesting that she remain to announce the nominees for Record of the Year. A backstage crew member was also seen explaining the situation to the singer as she returned.
Noah humorously remarked, "I could do it, but it's not the same; I don't have the track record," acknowledging Cher's legendary status in the music industry. When Cher resumed her position, she seemed slightly irritated, believing she should be reading from the teleprompter rather than the envelope in her hands.
"And the Grammy goes to, oh, they told me it was going to be on the prompter, oh, and the Grammy goes to..." Cher said before pausing with a confused expression. She then announced: "Luther Vandross."
Winners' Reaction and Correction
Cameras immediately cut to Kendrick Lamar and SZA, who were seen laughing as they realized Cher's error. The pair stood up to accept their award while Cher quickly corrected herself, exclaiming, "No, Kendrick Lamar!" Their winning song "Luther" samples Vandross's 1982 collaboration with Cheryl Lynn on "If This World Were Mine," which may have contributed to the confusion. It remains unclear whether Cher was simply confused upon reading "Luther" on the winner's card or if there was additional notation crediting Vandross for the sample.
Accepting the award, a smiling Lamar reflected on the significance, stating, "This is what music is about. Luther Vandross. This is special for me, I gotta take my time, because it's one of my favorite artists of all time, and they granted us the privilege to do our version of it."
Cher's Inspirational Message Earlier in the Evening
Earlier during the ceremony, Cher had received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering an inspirational message to the audience. "Never give up on your dream, no matter what happens," she advised. "Live it, be it, and if it's not happening now, it will happen soon." This moment highlighted her enduring influence and celebrated career, contrasting with the later presentation confusion that became one of the night's most memorable incidents.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will undoubtedly be remembered for this unexpected moment of live television spontaneity, blending confusion, humor, and musical legacy in a single presentation that captured viewers' attention worldwide.
