Kesha made a spectacular and long-awaited return to the Grammy Awards on Sunday afternoon, commanding attention with a jaw-dropping, dramatic look that featured an abundance of white feathers. The singer, who had not attended the prestigious music ceremony for seven years, chose a particularly fluffy and shaggy gown that completely engulfed her figure as she walked the star-studded red carpet.
A Statement in White Feathers
The voluminous garment, which featured a long, cascading train that trailed behind her, created a striking visual spectacle. In a deliberate style choice, the 38-year-old Joyride hitmaker opted out of any additional accessories or jewellery to allow the dress itself to take centre stage. She also chose to forgo footwear entirely, strutting down the carpet barefoot, which added an element of raw, bohemian flair to her overall presentation.
Understated Beauty Details
Kesha's long, blonde hair was slicked back in a messy, wet-looking style that complemented the dramatic nature of her outfit. She appeared to be wearing minimal makeup, creating an understated beauty look that provided a subtle contrast to the extravagance of her feathered gown. At one point during her red carpet appearance, she was seen holding a small, circular black clutch, though she posed mostly without it, keeping the focus firmly on her attire.
Significance of Her Return
This appearance marked Kesha's first time back at the Grammys since 2018, when she delivered an emotional performance of her song Praying. That performance represented a major comeback moment following her protracted legal battle with former mentor and collaborator Dr. Luke. At the 2018 ceremony, held at New York City's Madison Square Garden, she received nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album for her 2017 release Rainbow.
The legal dispute, in which Kesha had accused the producer of sexual assault, was eventually settled in June 2023 after years of contention. Dr. Luke had filed a defamation lawsuit in response to her allegations, and before the trial could begin, the former collaborators announced a 'joint resolution.' Her 2018 Grammy performance served as the final stop on her tour, following a sold-out show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Career Context and Recent Work
Kesha first rose to prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s with infectious party anthems like TiK ToK and Your Love Is My Drug. Her most recent musical offering is her sixth studio album, Period, which she released in July 2025 under her independent label, Kesha Records. The album includes her 2024 hit single Joyride, along with tracks like Delusional, Yippee-Ki-Yay featuring T-Pain, and Boy Crazy. This release followed her 2023 album, Gag Order.
2026 Grammy Awards Highlights
The 2026 Grammy Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across numerous musical categories. Notable winners included Lady Gaga, who took home awards for Best Dance Pop Recording with Abracadabra and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Harlequin. Kendrick Lamar secured the Best Rap Album honour for GNX, while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist.
In the pop categories, Sabrina Carpenter received multiple nominations, and Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their rendition of Defying Gravity. The ceremony also recognised excellence in rock, metal, R&B, country, and global music, showcasing the diverse talent within the contemporary music industry.
