The lights dimmed, the anticipation crackled, and the music world held its breath for the Grammys 2026. This year, the focus wasn't just on the shimmering trophies, but on the truly groundbreaking Award-Winning Performances & Nominations that redefined genres and smashed records. From historic wins for global superstars to the quiet triumphs of emerging talents, the night at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena was a testament to the power and diversity of contemporary music.
At a Glance: Grammys 2026 Highlights
- Historic Night: Bad Bunny’s “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” became the first Spanish-language Album of the Year.
- Rap Royalty: Kendrick Lamar cemented his legacy as the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history.
- Hosting Farewell: Trevor Noah concluded his sixth and final stint as host.
- Broadcast Shift: CBS aired its last Grammys, with the show moving to Disney outlets in 2027.
- The Big Four: Recognitions went to Bad Bunny (Album of the Year), Kendrick Lamar with SZA (Record of the Year), Billie Eilish (Song of the Year), and Olivia Dean (Best New Artist).
The Grammys: A Shifting Stage, A Consistent Spectacle
The Grammys have long been the music industry's most prestigious stage, and the 2026 ceremony upheld that tradition with all its glitz and glamour, even amidst significant changes. Held once again at the sprawling Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the event saw Trevor Noah helm the proceedings for a remarkable sixth and final time, injecting his characteristic wit and charm. It was also a bittersweet night for CBS, as the network broadcast the awards for the last time, marking the end of an era before the show transitions to Disney outlets in 2027.
Before the prime-time spectacle, the vast majority of the 95 awards were presented at the non-televised premiere ceremony, skillfully hosted by Darren Criss. This segment, often considered the true heart of the Grammys by industry insiders, highlighted the breadth of musical talent across an astonishing array of categories, underscoring the deep currents of innovation happening beyond the mainstream spotlight.
History Made: Record-Breakers and Trailblazers
Every Grammy night brings its share of memorable moments, but 2026 will be etched in history for several groundbreaking achievements.
Kendrick Lamar's Unstoppable Reign: The night belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who took home an astounding five wins. This incredible haul didn't just add more gold to his already crowded shelf; it officially crowned him the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history, surpassing none other than Jay-Z. His album “GNX” secured Best Rap Album, and his collaboration with SZA, “luther,” clinched Record of the Year and Melodic Rap Performance. Lamar's impact on the landscape of hip-hop is undeniable, and these awards solidify his position as a generational artist whose Award-Winning Performances & Nominations continue to redefine the genre's possibilities.
Bad Bunny's Global Domination: Another monumental win came courtesy of Bad Bunny. His album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” not only won Best Música Urbana Album but also claimed the coveted Album of the Year. This marked a historic milestone: the first time a Spanish-language album has ever received this top honor. It’s a powerful testament to the ever-expanding global reach of music and the breaking down of linguistic barriers in mainstream recognition. Bad Bunny's victory wasn't just for him; it was a win for Latin music and for cultural representation on the world's biggest musical stage. He also took home the Global Music Performance award for “EoO,” further cementing his international appeal.
The Coveted "Big Four": Defining the Year's Sound
These are the categories that capture the zeitgeist, reflecting the songs and albums that resonated most deeply with listeners and critics alike.
- Album of the Year: Bad Bunny – “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”
A truly seismic win, shattering language barriers and celebrating the vibrant sounds of Música Urbana. This album captivated audiences worldwide, proving that music's appeal transcends any single demographic. - Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “luther”
This award recognizes the overall performance, production, and engineering of a single track. “luther” stands out as a masterclass in collaboration, blending Kendrick’s lyrical prowess with SZA’s soulful delivery to create an undeniable sonic experience. - Song of the Year: Billie Eilish – “WILDFLOWER” (Written by Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell)
Unlike Record of the Year, this honor specifically celebrates the art of songwriting. Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell once again demonstrated their uncanny ability to craft deeply personal and universally resonant lyrics and melodies with “WILDFLOWER.” - Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
A truly exciting moment for an emerging talent. Olivia Dean's win in this highly competitive category signals a promising future, indicating that her unique voice and artistry have captivated the academy and are poised for even greater things.
A Panorama of Talent: Celebrating Genre-Defining Performances
Beyond the "Big Four," the Grammys celebrated an incredible spectrum of musical expression, highlighting the depth and diversity of the industry.
Pop Perfection and Vocal Prowess
The Pop categories always showcase artists pushing boundaries while delivering undeniable hooks.
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – “Messy”
Lola Young’s win for “Messy” speaks to the raw authenticity and vocal power that captivated voters, proving that genuine emotion can cut through the noise. - Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – “MAYHEM”
Lady Gaga continues to redefine her artistry, and “MAYHEM” stands as a testament to her vocal versatility and genre-bending vision. She also celebrated a win for Dance Pop Recording with “Abracadabra,” highlighting her continued dominance in electronic-infused pop. - Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – “Defying Gravity”
This stunning collaboration, likely from a soundtrack or special performance, captivated with its sheer vocal power and synergy.
Country Chronicles: Tradition Meets Modernity
The country music landscape saw both established legends and rising stars honored.
- Best Contemporary Country Album: Jelly Roll – “Beautifully Broken”
Jelly Roll's victory underscores his unique blend of country, rock, and hip-hop influences, resonating with a broad audience. He also collaborated on the Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Shaboozey for “Amen.” - Best Traditional Country Album: Zach Top – “Ain't In It For My Health”
This win celebrates the enduring appeal of classic country sounds and storytelling. - Best Country Song: Tyler Childers – “Bitin’ List” (Written by Tyler Childers)
Tyler Childers’ win for his songwriting highlights the lyrical depth and narrative strength characteristic of his work. - Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton – “Bad As I Used To Be" (From “F1 The Movie”)
Stapleton’s powerful vocals and ability to convey profound emotion continue to make him a consistent force in country music, even when crossing over to film soundtracks.
The Rhythmic Pulse: Rap, R&B, and Hip-Hop Honors
These categories consistently deliver some of the most innovative and culturally impactful music.
- Best Música Urbana Album: Bad Bunny – “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”
A dual win for Bad Bunny, solidifying the album's impact within its genre. - Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar – “GNX”
Kendrick’s second major win, proving his consistency in crafting critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. - Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar featuring Lefty Gunplay – “tv off” (Written by Jack Antonoff, Larry Jayy, Kendrick Lamar, Dijon McFarlane, Sean Momberger, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington)
This win celebrates the intricate lyricism and collaborative genius behind one of the year's standout rap tracks. - Best Rap Performance: Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams – “Chains & Whips”
A powerhouse collaboration delivering a commanding performance, showcasing the enduring influence of these rap titans. - Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
Leon Thomas's album win highlights his artistry and fresh take on contemporary R&B. He also won Traditional R&B Performance for “Vibes Don’t Lie,” showcasing his versatility. - Best R&B Song: Kehlani – “Folded” (Written by Darius Dixson, Andre Harris, Kehlani Parrish, Donovan Knight, Don Mills, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Dawit Kamal Wilson)
Kehlani's songwriting is recognized for its evocative storytelling and melodic strength. - Best R&B Performance: Kehlani – “Folded”
A double win for Kehlani, acknowledging both the song's composition and her captivating vocal delivery. - Progressive R&B Album: Durand Bernarr – “Bloom”
This win celebrates artists who are pushing the boundaries of R&B, incorporating experimental elements and innovative production.
Rock's Resurgence and Alternative Innovations
The rock and alternative categories showcased both enduring legends and vibrant new sounds.
- Best Rock Album: Turnstile – “NEVER ENOUGH”
Turnstile continues to electrify with their high-energy, genre-defying sound, capturing the album award. They also picked up Metal Performance for "Birds," showcasing their raw power. - Best Rock Song: Nine Inch Nails – “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” (Written by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross)
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross prove their mastery of atmospheric and intense songwriting, a testament to their lasting impact. - Best Rock Performance: YUNGBLUD Featuring Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman, II – “Changes (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning”
A thrilling live performance win, highlighting YUNGBLUD's electrifying stage presence and collaborative spirit. - Alternative Music Performance: The Cure – “Alone”
Legends like The Cure continue to prove their enduring relevance with compelling new work. - Alternative Music Album: The Cure – “Songs of a Lost World”
A powerful album that resonated deeply, showing that iconic bands still have much to say.
The Dance Floor and Beyond: Electronic, Global, and Reggae Rhythms
These categories highlight music designed to move you, whether physically or emotionally.
- Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala – “End of Summer”
Tame Impala's distinctive psychedelic sound translates seamlessly into a captivating electronic recording. - Dance/Electronic Album: FKA twigs – “Eusexua”
FKA twigs continues to push artistic boundaries, delivering an album that is both experimental and deeply resonant. - Remixed Recording: Gesaffelstein, remixer (Lady Gaga and Gesaffelstein) – “Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix)”
This award celebrates the artistry of reimagining a track, turning it into something new and exciting. - Global Music Performance: Bad Bunny – “EoO”
Highlighting the worldwide appeal and cross-cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s music. - African Music Performance: Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
A vibrant win for Tyla, showcasing the burgeoning talent and global reach of African music. - Global Music Album: Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia – “Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo”
A powerful live album from two Brazilian legends, celebrating their rich musical heritage. - Reggae Album: Keznamdi – “Blxxd & Fyah”
Keznamdi's album stands out in a genre known for its powerful messages and infectious rhythms.
Jazz, Blues, and American Roots: Timeless Sounds
These categories celebrate the rich tapestry of American and global musical traditions.
- Jazz Performance: Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Brian Blade – “Windows - Live”
A posthumous honor for the legendary Chick Corea, celebrated alongside his brilliant collaborators. - Jazz Vocal Album: Samara Joy – “Portrait”
Samara Joy continues her meteoric rise, charming listeners with her impeccable vocals and timeless style. - Jazz Instrumental Album: Sullivan Fortner Featuring Peter Washington and Marcus Gilmore – “Southern Nights”
Fortner's mastery of the piano shines through in this acclaimed instrumental work. - Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Christian McBride Big Band – “Without Further Ado, Vol 1”
Christian McBride's big band continues to impress with their dynamic and expansive sound. - Latin Jazz Album: Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro – “A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole”
A beautiful homage to musical legends, blending Latin and jazz influences. - Alternative Jazz Album: Nate Smith – “Live-Action”
Smith's innovative approach to jazz proves the genre is continually evolving. - Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Laufey – “A Matter of Time”
Laufey's elegant blend of jazz and pop continues to captivate. - American Roots Performance: Mavis Staples – “Beautiful Strangers” and Americana Performance: Mavis Staples – “Godspeed”
Mavis Staples, a true icon, continues to deliver powerful, soulful performances. - American Roots Song: I’m With Her – “Ancient Light”
The supergroup I'm With Her (Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins) is recognized for their exquisite songwriting. They also won Folk Album for “Wild and Clear and Blue.” - Americana Album: Jon Batiste – “Big Money”
Jon Batiste’s boundless talent earns him another Grammy, celebrating his expansive musical vision. - Bluegrass Album: Billy Strings – “Highway Prayers”
Billy Strings continues to dazzle with his virtuosic bluegrass. - Traditional Blues Album: Buddy Guy – “Ain’t Done With the Blues”
The legendary Buddy Guy proves that his blues flame burns as brightly as ever. - Contemporary Blues Album: Robert Randolph – “Preacher Kids”
Randolph's vibrant and soulful take on the blues earns him well-deserved recognition.
Gospel and Contemporary Christian: Uplifting Sounds
These categories celebrate music that inspires and uplifts.
- Gospel Performance/Song: Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar – “Come Jesus Come”
Two gospel titans unite for a powerful, award-winning performance. - Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll – “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
A compelling collaboration bridging contemporary Christian and mainstream sounds. - Gospel Album: Darrel Walls, PJ Morton – “Heart of Mine”
A soulful and deeply moving album from two acclaimed artists. - Contemporary Christian Music Album: Israel & New Breed – “Coritos Vol. 1”
Israel Houghton and New Breed continue to deliver inspiring and innovative worship music. - Roots Gospel Album: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – “I Will Not Be Moved (Live)”
The iconic choir's powerful live performance resonates deeply.
Latin American Rhythms and World Music
A testament to the global appeal and incredible diversity of music from Latin America and beyond.
- Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano): Car��n León – “Palabra De To’s (Seca)”
Carín León's album captures the heart of Mexican regional music. - Tropical Latin Album: Gloria Estefan – “Raíces”
Gloria Estefan, a timeless icon, continues to celebrate her roots with this vibrant album.
Beyond the Mic: Crafting the Magic Behind the Scenes
The Grammys aren't just about the performers; they also celebrate the unsung heroes who write, produce, engineer, and design the music we love. Their Award-Winning Performances & Nominations are just as crucial.
- Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: Amy Allen
Amy Allen’s recognition highlights her prolific talent in crafting hits for various artists. - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Cirkut
Cirkut's Midas touch in the studio is celebrated, acknowledging his consistent success in shaping popular music. - Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Joseph Lorge and Blake Mills, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Pino Palladino, Blake Mills) – “That Wasn’t a Dream”
This award recognizes the technical brilliance required to achieve sonic excellence. - Best Engineered Album, Classical: Mike Tierney, engineer; Alan Silverman, mastering engineer (Sandbox Percussion) – “Cerrone: Don’t Look Down”
Precision and artistry in classical recording are honored here. - Producer of the Year, Classical: Elaine Martone
A nod to the critical role classical producers play in bringing complex works to life. - Instrumental Composition: Remy Le Boeuf, composer (Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf and Danielle Wertz) – “First Snow”
Celebrating the intricate art of composing original instrumental pieces. - Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: Bryan Carter, Charlie Rosen and Matthew Whitaker, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band) – “Super Mario Praise Break”
An innovative arrangement that brings beloved video game music into a big band context. - Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick, Nate Smith and Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Nate Smith Featuring Säje) – “Big Fish”
Recognizing the delicate balance and creative input required for vocal and instrumental arrangements.
The Visual, Literary, and Historical Impact of Music
Music is a multi-sensory experience, and the Grammys acknowledge its broader cultural footprint.
- Best Music Video: Doechii – “Anxiety”
Doechii's visual storytelling and artistic vision are celebrated with this win. - Best Song Written for Visual Media: HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI – “Golden" (From "KPop Demon Hunters")
This category highlights the synergy between music and film, where a song elevates a visual narrative. - Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: Various Artists – “Sinners”
Recognizing the curated power of a soundtrack that enhances a film or TV experience. - Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television): Ludwig Göransson, composer – “Sinners”
Göransson continues to be a force in film scoring, crafting evocative soundscapes. - Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media: Austin Wintory, composer – “Sword of the Sea”
Acknowledging the increasingly complex and artistic world of video game scores. - Music Film: John Williams; Laurent Bouzereau, video director – “Music by John Williams”
A tribute to the maestro himself, capturing his legendary career on film. - Recording Package: Meghan Foley and Michelle Holme, art directors (Bruce Springsteen) – “Tracks II: The Lost Albums”
The artistry of album packaging is celebrated, recognizing it as an integral part of the listening experience. - Album Cover: Shaun Llewellyn and Luis “Panch” Perez, art directors (Tyler, the Creator) – “Chromakopia”
Tyler, the Creator's creative vision extends to his album art, earning a design award. - Album Notes: Ashley Kahn, album notes writer (Miles Davis) – “Miles ‘55: The Prestige Recordings”
The importance of context and scholarship in music history is honored through exceptional album notes. - Historical Album: Patrick Milligan and Joni Mitchell, compilation producers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Joni Mitchell) – “Joni Mitchell Archives - Volume 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)”
Preserving musical heritage and presenting it with scholarly rigor.
The Classical Realm: Precision, Passion, and Performance
The classical categories showcase the pinnacle of instrumental and vocal artistry.
- Orchestral Performance: Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra) – “Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie”
Nelsons and the BSO deliver a masterful rendition of a complex orchestral work. - Opera Recording: Kwamé Ryan, conductor; Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges and Janai Brugger; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Houston Grand Opera; Gene Scheer) – “Heggie: Intelligence”
A powerful and meticulously produced opera recording. - Choral Performance: Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Grant Gershon, chorus master (Los Angeles Philharmonic and Tambuco Percussion Ensemble; Los Angeles Master Chorale) – “Ortiz: Yanga”
Dudamel’s leadership and the combined power of these ensembles create an unforgettable choral experience. - Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: Alan Pierson and Alarm Will Sound – “Dennehy: Land Of Winter”
Highlighting the intimate and intricate beauty of chamber music. - Classical Instrumental Solo: Yo-Yo Ma; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra) – “Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos”
Yo-Yo Ma's unparalleled artistry on the cello, beautifully supported by Nelsons and the BSO. - Classical Solo Vocal Album: Amanda Forsythe, soloist; Robert Mealy, Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs, conductors (Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra) – “Telemann: Ino - Opera Arias for Soprano”
Celebrating the vocal brilliance and historical accuracy of early music performance. - Classical Compendium: Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer – “Ortiz: Yanga”
A comprehensive collection showcasing the excellence of a full classical project. - Contemporary Classical Composition: Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Alisa Weilerstein, Gustavo Dudamel and Los Angeles Philharmonic) – “Ortiz: Dzonot”
Recognizing the innovative and impactful new works in the classical sphere.
Understanding the Nomination Process: The Road to the Gold
Behind every Award-Winning Performances & Nominations lies a rigorous, multi-stage process. It's a journey that begins with submissions by recording artists and professionals, moves through technical screening to ensure eligibility, and culminates in voting by members of the Recording Academy. These members, who range from musicians and producers to engineers and songwriters, are tasked with evaluating the artistic and technical merit of thousands of entries.
The process is designed to honor excellence across a vast number of genres and categories, ensuring that both critically acclaimed and commercially successful works have a chance at recognition. It's a testament to the dedication of the Academy's members that such a diverse range of talent, from the mainstream to the niche, ultimately receives its due.
The Legacy of a Grammy: More Than Just a Trophy
Winning a Grammy, or even earning a nomination, is often a career-defining moment. It provides unparalleled validation from peers, opens doors to new opportunities, and significantly boosts an artist's profile. For many, it's a recognition of years of hard work, dedication, and artistic sacrifice. Beyond individual careers, the Grammys play a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives around music, identifying trends, celebrating milestones, and introducing new artists to a global audience. The impact extends beyond album sales, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and technical skill involved in creating the soundtracks to our lives.
Whether you're interested in exploring other forms of award-winning talent, perhaps in the acting world, you might delve into All Leslie Odom Jr. movies to see how creative excellence manifests across different artistic disciplines.
Looking Ahead: The Future on Disney
The Grammys 2026 marked a pivotal moment not just for the artists, but for the show itself. The impending move to Disney outlets in 2027 signals a new chapter for the awards, potentially bringing fresh perspectives on broadcasting, engagement, and reach. While the core mission of celebrating outstanding musical achievement will undoubtedly remain, the platform shift could introduce innovations in how these Award-Winning Performances & Nominations are presented to the world, potentially attracting new demographics and integrating cutting-edge technology.
Your Invitation to Discover
The Grammys 2026 delivered a night of unforgettable moments, historic wins, and a rich celebration of musical artistry. From Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking run to Bad Bunny's global triumph, the diverse tapestry of award-winning performances and nominations showcased the health and vitality of the music industry.
Now, the best part begins: experiencing these celebrated works for yourself. Dive into Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year, immerse yourself in Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical genius, and discover the exciting new sounds of Olivia Dean. The Grammys aren't just about who wins; they're an invitation to explore, to connect, and to fall in love with music all over again. What will be your next award-winning listen?