Music’s biggest stars converged in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards turned the Crypto.com Arena into a global celebration of sound, culture and boundary-breaking artistry.
With Trevor Noah at the helm, the night unfolded as a powerful reminder that the Grammys are no longer just American pop’s biggest party — they’re a mirror of music’s worldwide evolution.
Bad Bunny Breaks the Biggest Barrier
The loudest cheer of the night belonged to Bad Bunny, who delivered a watershed moment for global music by winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
The victory made history, marking the first time a Spanish-language album has claimed the Grammys’ most prestigious prize.
Speaking largely in Spanish, Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech to celebrate his Puerto Rican roots, immigration stories, and the idea that music transcends language. The album’s triumph didn’t stop there — it also earned him Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance, capping a dominant night that firmly placed Latin music at the centre of the global mainstream.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA Claim Record of the Year
Another defining moment came when Kendrick Lamar and SZA were announced as Record of the Year winners for their soul-infused collaboration “Luther.”
Blending modern lyricism with classic influences, the track stood out in a fiercely competitive field that included chart-toppers from Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga.
For Lamar, the win was historic — his second consecutive Record of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential and decorated figures in hip-hop history.
Standout Winners Across Genres
The 2026 Grammys spread the spotlight wide, celebrating excellence across styles and cultures:
Best New Artist: Olivia Dean, whose breakout year earned her music’s ultimate newcomer honour.
Song of the Year: “Wildflower” — Billie Eilish & Finneas, praised for its emotional depth and songwriting craft.
Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar — GNX, adding another trophy to his growing collection.
Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga — Mayhem, recognised for its bold, genre-blending pop vision.
Best African Music Performance: Tyla — “Push 2 Start”, underscoring Africa’s expanding global influence.
Best Reggae Album: Keznamdi, spotlighting reggae’s enduring international reach.
A Grammy Night That Redefined the Landscape
Beyond individual wins, the night delivered historic milestones. Kendrick Lamar extended his record as the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history, while Billie Eilish, alongside Finneas, tied Adele for the most general-field wins by a female artist after adding Song of the Year to her résumé.
From Bad Bunny’s language-defying triumph to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s genre-spanning excellence, the 2026 Grammy Awards didn’t just hand out trophies — they signalled a cultural shift, one where global voices, diverse sounds and fearless creativity now sit firmly at the heart of music’s biggest stage.
