Grammys 2026 highlights best, worst and weirdest moments

The 68th annual Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles brought forth a dazzling display of talent and emotion, showcasing the evolution of music in a night filled with highs, lows, and unexpected twists. From groundbreaking wins to captivating performances, the event reflected the pulse of the contemporary music scene.

Kendrick Lamar's Triumph and Bad Bunny's Historic Win

Hip hop sensation Kendrick Lamar emerged as one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Grammy awards. His triumphs included the coveted Record of the Year for the song Luther, which he performed alongside singer SZA. However, in a stunning upset, Lamar lost the Album of the Year award to Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny.

Bad Bunny's album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, made history as the first all-Spanish album to win this prestigious category. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Bad Bunny dedicated his award to those who have traveled far from their homes in search of their dreams, underlining the struggles faced by many in the Latino community.

His remarks did not shy away from addressing pressing social issues, including U.S. immigration policies. He emphasized humanity and community, stating, “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” This message resonated with the audience, highlighting the role of music as a platform for advocacy.

Notable Winners and Surprising Upsets

In addition to Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny, several other artists were recognized during the ceremony:

• Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for her emotionally charged track Wildflower.
• Olivia Dean took home the award for Best New Artist, prompting cheers and excitement.
• Cirkut, a Los Angeles-based producer originally from Ottawa, won Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, for his remarkable collaborations with stars like Lady Gaga and The Weeknd.

Cirkut, reflecting on his journey from a Canadian kid making beats in his bedroom to a Grammy-winning producer, shared an inspiring message about dreams and perseverance during his acceptance speech.

A Shift in Broadcasting and Industry Changes

This year's Grammy Awards also marked a significant change in the ceremony's broadcasting platform. Starting in 2027, the event will be aired on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, ending a long-standing relationship with CBS that has lasted over fifty years. This shift signifies a new era for the Grammys, as they adapt to the evolving landscape of television and streaming services.

Memorable Performances: The Good, the Bad, and the Weird

Alongside the awards, the performances were a focal point of the evening, encapsulating the creativity and artistry present in today's music scene. Here are some highlights:

The Good

• Sabrina Carpenter dazzled the audience with a performance of Manchild, dressed as an airline pilot, embracing a playful aviation theme.
• Tyler, the Creator showcased his theatrical side in a militaristic outfit while performing a medley from his album Chromakopia, complete with explosive theatrics.
• Lady Gaga shocked the crowd with a rock rendition of Abracadabra, pushing the boundaries of her stage persona.
• The In Memoriam segment honored late icons like Ozzy Osbourne and D’Angelo with moving tributes, including Lauryn Hill's rendition of Killing Me Softly.
• Surprising collaborations included Justin Bieber, Leon Thomas, and Bruno Mars all picking up electric guitars for a lively rock segment.

The Bad

• The category for Best New Artist sparked controversy when British neo-soul artist Dean won over R&B favorite Thomas, who had multiple nominations.
• Television viewers noted the excessive commercial breaks, with a reported ratio of five minutes of ads for every three minutes of actual Grammy content.
• Jamie Foxx's numerous appearances in outlandish hats drew mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous while others deemed it excessive.

The Weird

• A moment of chaos arose when audience members returned late from a commercial break, causing disruption during host Noah's introduction.
• Justin Bieber's performance of his single Yukon raised eyebrows as he took the stage in just socks and boxers, leaving fans to ponder the intent behind his bold choice.

Humor and Wit: Memorable Quotes from the Night

The evening was also filled with humor, particularly from host Trevor Noah, who delivered several witty remarks:

• “There are so many stars in this room, I feel like I’m at Jeff Bezos’s wedding, but with more Black people,” he quipped, emphasizing the diversity present at the event.
• In a playful jab at Kendrick Lamar, Noah joked about the rapper's prowess, saying, “I actually thought about writing a few jokes, roasting you, but then I remembered what you can do to light-skinned dudes from other countries.”
• Marcello Hernández from Saturday Night Live humorously noted the influence of best música urbana nominees, stating they were creating the soundtrack for future generations of children.

Spotlight on Canadian Artists

Canada made a notable presence at the Grammy Awards, with several artists achieving recognition:

• Joni Mitchell was pleasantly surprised to win Best Historical Album for Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980), expressing genuine astonishment upon receiving the award.
• Justin Gray, an audio production instructor from Toronto, won Best Immersive Audio Album for his jazz LP Immersed, marking a milestone as the first Canadian nomination in this category.
• Serban Ghenea, a prolific audio engineer, added to his impressive Grammy tally with a win for Best Dance Pop Recording for Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra.

This year’s Grammy Awards not only highlighted the evolving landscape of the music industry but also celebrated the diverse voices and artistic expressions that define contemporary music. The night was a blend of celebration, reflection, and a commitment to progress, making it a memorable event for artists and fans alike.