The 2026 Grammy Awards included a range of red carpet outfits, dynamic performances and significant award wins. Highlights encompassed first-time achievements for Spanish-language music and recognitions for established artists. The event, as reviewed by Saskia Fellowes, showcased both successes and debated choices.
The 2026 Grammy Awards took place with a focus on recent music releases from 2025. On the red carpet, artists displayed varied styles: Chappell Roan appeared in a risqué outfit featuring prosthetics, Lady Gaga in a raven-like dress, and Zara Larsson in a vibrant yellow two-piece that aligned with her album Midnight Sun. Harry Styles and Jack Antonoff opted for jeans, while Lola Young wore a baggy sweat set. Many outfits incorporated black with metal hardware.
Performances opened with Rosé and Bruno Mars delivering 'APT.', followed by Sombr's rendition of '12 to 12', Addison Rae's Britney-inspired take on 'Fame is a Gun', and Lady Gaga's delivery of 'Abracadabra'. KATSEYE performed 'Gnarly' with choreography suited for social media, Lola Young offered a stripped-down version of 'Messy', and Alex Warren sang 'Ordinary' despite an earpiece malfunction, from which he recovered.
In awards, Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos', the first Spanish-language album to achieve this. In his acceptance speech, mostly in Spanish, he discussed Puerto Rico and dedicated the award to immigrants and Latino artists. Olivia Dean received Best New Artist for songs like 'Man I Need'. Kendrick Lamar secured most rap awards, including Record of the Year for 'luther' with SZA, his second consecutive win in that category. After presenter Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as winner, Kendrick acknowledged Vandross's influence, as the song samples his work with Cheryl Lynn.
Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for 'WILDFLOWER', a track released as a single in early 2025 but from an earlier album. Lady Gaga took Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Dance/Pop Recording. Snubs included Sabrina Carpenter, whose 'Manchild' missed Best Pop Solo Performance (won by Lola Young) and Best Music Video (won by Doechii), and Hayley Williams, nominated for Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party but winless. Laufey won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for A Matter of Time.
The ceremony drew comparisons to upcoming events like the Brit Awards.
