Always a spectacle, this year’s Grammys didn’t disappoint with fantastic performance, divisive moments, and memorable appearances.
The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off with a high energy performance from Bruno Mars and ROSÉ who performed a rock version of their song “APT,” which was nominated for both Record and Song of the Year. Host Trevor Noah then took the stage, hyping up the crowd by teasing the star-studded lineup of performers for the night where Kendrick Lamar led the evening with an impressive 9 nominations.
The second performance of the night came from Sabrina Carpenter, who entered the stage with an airport-themed night set and performed her hit song “Manchild.” With six nominations going into the night, Carpenter continued to solidify her place as one of pop’s biggest stars.
The first award of the evening, Best Rap Album, was presented by Queen Latifah and Doechii. The nominees included, Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, GLORIOUS by GloRilla, God Does Like Ugly by JID, GNX by Kendrick Lamar, and CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator. The award went to Kendrick Lamar, marking this his first win of the night.
Before the presentation of Best New Artist, all of the nominees took the stage to perform their most well-known songs from the past year. The performances began with The Marías who performed “No one Noticed,” followed by Addison Rae with her song “Fame is a Gun,” then KATSEYE with “Gnarly,” Leon Thomas with “MUTT,” then Alex Warren with “Ordinary,” Lola Young with “Messy,” Olivia Dean with “Man I Need,” and finally sombr with “12 to 12.”
Best New Artist was then presented by last year’s winner, Chappell Roan. Once again the nominees included Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, and Lola Young. Olivia Dean took home the award and delivered an emotional acceptance speech.
Justin Bieber next took the stage to perform “YUKON.” While the performance showcased his raw vocals, it was certainly one of the more unexpected moments of the evening.
Marcello Hernández and Karol G then presented the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album where the nominees were DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, Mixteip by J Balvin, FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado by Feid, NAIKI by Nicki Nicole, EUB DELUXE by Trueno, and SINFÓNICO — En Vivo by Yandel. The award went to Bad Bunny.
Jeff Goldblum and Lainey Wilson followed by presenting Best Contemporary Country Album where the nominees included Patterns by Kelsea Ballerini, Snipe Hunter by Tyler Childers, Evangeline Vs. The Machine by Eric Church, Beautifully Broken by Jelly Roll, and Postcards From Texas by Miranda Lambert. Jelly Roll won for Beautifully Broken and used his speech to thank his wife, his team, and express gratitude for his faith.
Lady Gaga then delivered a standout performance of her song “Abracadabra.” Later, Nikki Glaser and Teyana Taylor presented Best Pop Vocal Album, with the nominees including SWAG by Justin Bieber, Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter, Something Beautiful by Miley Cyrus, MAYHEM by Lady Gaga, and I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy — Part 2 by Teddy Swims. The award went to Lady Gaga.
Bruno Mars returned to the stage to perform “I Just Might,” after which Trevor Noah congratulated Joni Mitchell on earning her 11th Grammy Award. Charli XCX then presented Best Pop Solo Performance the nominees were “DAISIES” by Justin Bieber, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Disease” by Lady Gaga, “The Subway” by Chappell Roan, and “Messy” by Lola Young. Lola Young won the award, visibly surprised and emotional.
Carol King presented Song Of The Year, with nominees being “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “APT” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, and “WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish. Billie Eilish won for “WILDFLOWER”
Tyler, The Creator then performed “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” and “Sugar On My Tongue,” followed by Q-Tip presenting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award to Pharrell Williams. Several tribute segments honored legendary artists who passed away this year, including Brian Wilson, D’Angelo, Roberta Flack, and Sly Stone. Reba McEntire made her Grammy stage debut with her performance of “Trailblazer,” and Post Malone honored Ozzy Osbourne with a powerful tribute performance.
Cher then made her first Grammy appearance in 18 years to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. She then announced the nominees for Record Of The Year, which included “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, “Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Anxiety” by Doechii, “WILDFLOWER” by Billie Eilish, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA, “The Subway” by Chappell Roan, and “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars. The award went to Kendrick Lamar for “Luther.” Pusher T, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and Malice followed with a performance of “So Far Ahead.”
To close out the night, Harry Styles presented Album Of The Year. The nominees were DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, SWAG by Justin Bieber, Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter, Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse, Pusha T & Malice, MAYHEM by Lady Gaga, GNX by Kendrick Lamar, MUTT by Leon Thomas, and CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator. The award went to Bad Bunny.
In conclusion, the 2026 Grammys featured standout performances, touching tributes, and results that had everyone, even Cher, doing a double take. If nothing else, the Grammys once again gave us plenty to talk about.