The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off with a bang, featuring electrifying performances and early wins that set the tone for a night celebrating music's biggest stars!
Get ready for a night of dazzling performances and well-deserved accolades, because the 2026 Grammy Awards are officially underway! The ceremony launched with an absolutely explosive performance from none other than K-Pop sensation Rosé and the incomparable Bruno Mars. These two powerhouses joined forces to deliver a rock-infused rendition of their chart-topping mega-hit, APT. This song, a fan favorite, is already making waves with three nominations tonight, including the prestigious Song of the Year award.
Host Trevor Noah lightened the mood by humorously pointing out the song's origins, explaining that it's inspired by a South Korean drinking game. He quipped, "In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink," a relatable jab at the current media landscape.
But here's where the early wins started rolling in! British star Olivia Dean was among the first recipients of the night, clinching the Best New Artist award approximately an hour into the ceremony. Her acceptance speech was a powerful moment, as she proudly declared, "I'm up here as the grand-daughter of an immigrant." She dedicated her win to her grandmother, Carmen, a member of the Windrush generation, emphasizing that immigrants are "a product of bravery" and deserve recognition. "We're nothing without each other," she passionately stated.
And this is the part most people miss... Before the main show even hit its stride, Kendrick Lamar secured the Best Rap Album award for GNX. This monumental win propelled him past Jay-Z, making Lamar the rapper with the most Grammy Awards ever, boasting a remarkable 26 wins! Lamar humbly shared, "I'm not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. Hip-hop is always going to be right here." This marks his fourth win in the rap album category, a streak that began with 2016's To Pimp A Butterfly. Lamar is also a strong contender for the night's ultimate prize, Album of the Year, facing stiff competition from music titans like Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Speaking of Sabrina Carpenter, she delivered the second performance of the evening, a truly elaborate spectacle of her number-one hit, Manchild. Dressed as a stylish stewardess, she captivated the audience with a performance that involved dancing across luggage carousels and interacting with male dancers portraying baggage handlers. The performance culminated with her holding a dove, a symbolic gesture as she seemingly took to the skies.
The spotlight then shone on all eight nominees for Best New Artist in an extended segment dedicated to "emerging talents who are defining music's zeitgeist." This included British artist Lola Young, who delivered a moving solo piano rendition of her breakout hit, Messy. This performance was particularly poignant as it was her first televised performance since taking a much-needed extended break to prioritize her mental and physical well-being last year.
Joining her were the six-piece girl group Katseye, showcasing their viral hit Gnarly, a song that has certainly sparked debate among listeners. And from New York, indie artist Sombr made a statement in a dazzling spangled jumpsuit for his rendition of 12 to 12. Adding to the anticipation, Olivia Dean seemed to forecast her Grammy victory with a vibrant, full-band performance of Man I Need.
In recent years, the Grammy telecast has increasingly prioritized performances over awards and speeches. This year is no exception, with only nine prizes being handed out during the three-hour televised event. The remaining 86 awards were presented earlier in the day during a more extensive "premiere ceremony." Notable winners from this earlier event included British artists Yungblud, FKA Twigs, and The Cure.
Several artists used their moments to address the current political climate in the US. Among them was Latin music icon Gloria Estefan, who expressed her deep concern, stating she was "very worried" about the state of her country. Backstage, after winning Best Tropical Latin Album for Raíces, she commented, "I don't think anyone would say we want a free-for-all at the border. But what is happening is not at all criminals being arrested. These are people that have families that have contributed to this country for decades. Little children, there's hundreds of children in detention centres. It's inhumane."
And this is where the conversation gets interesting... The political undertones weren't confined to the stage. Many stars on the red carpet, including Kehlani, were seen wearing "Ice out" badges, signaling that politics would undoubtedly be a significant topic throughout the main ceremony as well.
What are your thoughts on the early winners and performances? Do you agree with Olivia Dean's powerful message about immigrants? And how do you feel about the increasing presence of political statements at award shows like the Grammys? Let us know in the comments below!
