The top 5 memorable Grammy Awards moments
Cher’s mishap, Kendrick Lamar dominates and Billie Eilish speaks out
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards were never going to be quiet - but few expected them to be this charged.
Between political statements, record-breaking wins, emotional tributes and on-stage chaos, the ceremony on Sunday night (02.01.26) became a snapshot of where music, culture and protest collide.
So, here are the 10 moments that defined a night the industry won’t forget …
1. Cher’s awkward announcement
Cher left the audience stunned when she mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as Record of the Year before correcting herself mid-sentence.
Speaking on the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, she said: “And the Grammy goes to … Oh! They told me it was going to be on a prompter. Oh, the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross. Oh Kendrick, no Kendrick Lamar!”
Cher then appeared to mouth “I’m so sorry” as Kendrick Lamar and SZA walked onstage.
2. Kendrick Lamar makes history
Kendrick Lamar officially became the most-decorated rapper in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z’s long-standing record.
After winning Best Rap Album for GNX and Record of the Year for Luther, he told the audience: “I’m not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. It’s an honour to be here.”
3. Olivia Dean’s breakthrough
Olivia Dean broke down as she accepted her Best New Artist award for her second studio album The Art of Loving, calling herself “the product of bravery”.
She said: “I never really imagined that I would be up here, let alone nominated. So thank you so much.
“I’m up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I wouldn’t be here - we’re nothing without each other.”
4. Jelly Roll thanks Bunnie Xo for saving his life
Jelly Roll delivered one of the rawest speeches of the night while accepting his Best Contemporary Country Album accolade for Beautifully Broken.
He said: “They're going to try to kick me off here, so just let me try to get this out...
"First of all, Jesus, I hear you, and I'm listening. Lord, I am listening. Lord.
“Second of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn't for you and Jesus. I thank you for that.”
5. Kehlani encourages artists to ‘speak out against what’s going on’
Kehlani urged the music community to “speak out against what's going on” as she received her award for Best R and B performance.
Speaking on stage, Kehlani - who won the honour for her viral hit Folded - said: “What I wanna make sure that I say is that everybody is so powerful in this room … and together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now.
“So instead of letting it be just a couple of you here and there, I hope everybody’s inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on.
“I’m gonna leave this and say, f*** ICE.”
