From red carpet looks to memorable moments on stage, the evening reflected the evolving sound and spirit of the industry. Here’s a look at the Grammy 2026 winners and standout highlights from music’s biggest night.
Kendrick Lamar dominates the night (again!) with five wins
For a second year in a row, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, collecting five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for Luther with SZA and Best Rap Album for GNX. His sweep across multiple categories underscored his versatility and influence in hip-hop, with his Grammy total now making him the most awarded artist in the genre’s history.
Lamar’s back-to-back success in major categories highlights his consistent excellence and cultural relevance. The night also reaffirmed his stature not just within rap but across the broader music landscape.
Olivia Dean wins Best New Artist
British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean took home Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, solidifying her rise after the success of tracks like Man I Need and her album The Art of Loving. Her win continues a remarkable run for female artists in the category, making her the ninth consecutive woman to win Best New Artist.
Known for her soulful voice and deeply personal songwriting, Dean has quickly become a breakout star over the past year. In her emotional acceptance speech, she honoured her family’s roots, calling herself “a product of bravery” and celebrating her grandmother’s immigrant journey.
Lady Gaga takes home Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem
Lady Gaga won Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem at the 2026 Grammys, adding another prestigious accolade to her career. This win marks her second Grammy in this specific category, reinforcing her long-standing impact on pop music. Mayhem was recognised for its bold production and artistic range, standing out among contenders including last year’s winner and fellow nominee Sabrina Carpenter.
In her acceptance speech, Gaga thanked her collaborators and fiancé, and used the moment to encourage women in the music industry to stay true to their creative voices. The victory also came on a night where Gaga delivered a memorable live performance, overcoming tight rehearsal schedules to deliver a powerful rendition of her music.
Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters makes Grammy history
A historic moment at the 2026 Grammys came when Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters won Best Song Written for Visual Media, making it the first K-pop song to ever win a Grammy Award. Performed by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami as part of the fictional group HUNTR/X from the Netflix animated film, the track has been a global hit across charts worldwide.
Its recognition at the Grammys not only honoured the song itself but also marked a major milestone for K-pop’s presence in the Recording Academy’s awards. This win reflects both the genre’s international influence and the crossover success of music tied to major streaming projects. Golden had also earned accolades earlier in awards season, cementing its cultural impact beyond the ceremony.
Bad Bunny becomes the first Latin artist to win Album of The Year
Bad Bunny made history as the first Latin artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys with his Spanish-language album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. He also took home three awards overall, including Best Música Urbana Album and Global Music Performance, showcasing his broad influence across genres.
In his acceptance speech – delivered primarily in Spanish – he celebrated Puerto Rico and dedicated the win to immigrants and those pursuing their dreams. With his 2026 Super Bowl performance on the horizon, Bad Bunny’s night was both a cultural milestone and a personal triumph. His win reflects the growing recognition of Latin music on the world’s biggest stages.
Unforgettable performances light up the Grammy stage
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The 2026 Grammys also featured a lineup of unforgettable performances that helped define the night’s energy. Sabrina Carpenter kicked things off with a theatrical, aviation-themed rendition of her hit Manchild, complete with dynamic staging and bold choreography that captured the crowd’s attention. Sombr brought high-octane flair to the stage with a performance of 12 to 12, while Lola Young delivered a stripped-down, emotive piano performance of her Grammy-winning single Messy.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga took the stage with a dramatic, synth-rock performance of Abracadabra and Bruno Mars joined fellow nominee Rosé for a historic opening performance of their collaborative hit APT. marking Rosé as the first solo K-pop artist to perform at the Grammys. Along with many other performances, they all reflect the diversity and creativity of music’s biggest night, spanning genres and global influence.
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