Grammy Awards 2026: Highlights, Performances, Tributes

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, delivered a powerful mix of historic wins, unforgettable performances, fierce activism, and deeply emotional tributes. Hosted by

One of the evening’s most memorable achievements came from Bad Bunny, who made history as the first Spanish‑language artist to win Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. His acceptance speech delivered in Spanish and resonating with emotion. It was one of the night’s defining moments.

Kendrick Lamar also had a banner night, breaking Jay‑Z’s record to become the most‑awarded rapper in Grammy history, including wins for Record of the Year with SZA for “luther” and Best Rap Album.

Olivia Dean was crowned Best New Artist, marking a major milestone in her burgeoning career, while Billie Eilish and Finneas took home Song of the Year for “Wildflower.”

In R&B categories, Kehlani emerged victorious with Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Folded,” delivering a bold acceptance speech that reflected both gratitude and activism.

Standout Performances

The telecast was packed with dynamic performances that captured the night’s diverse musical landscape.

Bruno Mars and Rosé kicked off the show with high energy, setting an electric tone.

Lady Gaga delivered a memorable rendition of “Abracadabra” in a striking red‑and‑black outfit, blending theatrical flair with powerful vocals before winning Best Pop Vocal Album.

Tyler, the Creator returned to the Grammy stage with a dynamic performance that mixed theatrics and rap prowess, further showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and others added depth and excitement to a packed evening.

Activism and Cultural Statements

The 2026 Grammys saw artists seize the mic for more than music. Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, and others used their acceptance speeches to address immigration issues and express solidarity with marginalized communities, contributing to a night that blended art with advocacy.

Tributes and Emotional Moments

A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the In Memoriam segment and special tributes to late music legends:

Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean reunited with the Fugees to honor D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, performing classics like “Brown Sugar” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”

A star‑studded tribute to Ozzy Osbourne featured Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and Andrew Watt performing “War Pigs,” moving many in the audience.

Country greats Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson led the In Memoriam with heartfelt performances remembering artists lost over the past year.

These moments combined musical reverence with emotional depth, honoring legacies that shaped generations.

From historic wins and show‑stopping performances to heartfelt tributes and cultural statements that reverberated beyond the stage, the 2026 Grammy Awards will be remembered as a night that celebrated not only artistic achievement but also the power of music to reflect and influence society.