At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar secured 27 career wins, surpassing Jay-Z's 24 to become the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. The ceremony highlighted diverse achievements, including electronic music triumphs and historic label milestones. Artists also addressed social issues like immigration amid the celebrations.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrated a vibrant year in music with standout victories across genres.
Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories, winning Best Rap Album for GNX, Best Rap Song for “TV Off,” Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Luther,” Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” and Record of the Year for “Luther.” This brought his total to 27 Grammys, eclipsing Jay-Z's 24 and Kanye West's 23. Entering with nine nominations—the most of any artist—Lamar reflected during his Best Rap Album acceptance: “It is hip-hop as usual, man… Hip-hop is going to always be right here. We are going to be in these suits looking good, having our folks with us. We are going to be having the culture with us.” His first Grammy came in 2015 for “i,” following a 2012 nomination for Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.
Electronic music shone brightly, with Tame Impala taking Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “End of Summer” over competitors like Fred again.., Skrillex, Disclosure, and KAYTRANADA. FKA twigs won Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for EUSEXUA, praised for its immersive sound. Gesaffelstein earned his first Grammy, marking a milestone for his cinematic style.
Olivia Dean's Best New Artist win made history for Island Records, the first label in 40 years with back-to-back victories after Chappell Roan's 2025 success. Island had nominees Sabrina Carpenter and Roan in 2025, and Lola Young alongside Dean in 2026. Previous streaks include Epic Records (1984-1986) and Warner Bros. (1980-1981).
Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year and delivered a fiery anti-ICE speech. J Balvin, nominated for Best Música Urbana Album, emphasized Latin music's global rise and immigrant struggles: “It’s a hard moment for immigrants and Latinos… Too many families are getting separated.” Bon Iver's Justin Vernon wore an anti-ICE whistle to honor Minneapolis protests over fatal shootings, later responding to critic Megyn Kelly's mockery. The Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters won Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Golden,” K-pop's first Grammy; its performers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami will appear at the BAFTAs.
Billie Eilish claimed Song of the Year, while The Cure won their first Grammys in alternative categories. Performances by Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter energized the night.
