Grammys 2026: Record-Breaking Wins, Powerful Statements, and Unforgettable Performances
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The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a night of electrifying performances, record-breaking wins, and unbridled statements on culture, power, and politics. The ceremony kicked off with a high-energy collaboration between Blackpink's Rosé and Bruno Mars, setting the tone for a night of music, spectacle, and social commentary. Best performances stole the show, with standout acts including Sabrina Carpenter's theatrical set for 'Manchild,' Lady Gaga's intimate rendition of 'Abracadabra,' and Justin Bieber's minimalist take on his return to the Grammys stage. The Best New Artist category saw nominees deliver memorable performances, showcasing their unique talents. Record-breaking wins: Kendrick Lamar became the most-awarded artist in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z's 25 wins with an impressive 27. Lady Gaga added to her legacy, taking home awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Dance Pop Recording for 'Abracadabra.' Cher received the Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her status as a music icon. The Grammys also served as a platform for artists to make powerful statements on social justice. Bad Bunny, the first Spanish-language Album of the Year winner, delivered a poignant speech, echoing the sentiments of artists like Billie Eilish, Finneas, and others. Multiple attendees, including Justin and Hailey Bieber and Joni Mitchell, wore 'ICE OUT' pins to show their support for immigration reform. Trevor Noah, hosting the ceremony for the sixth time, leaned into political satire, delivering a scathing monologue that included a viral Nicki Minaj joke and a Donald Trump impersonation. The controversy surrounding the ceremony extended beyond the broadcast, with Donald Trump criticizing the ceremony and threatening to sue Noah over a joke about Jeffrey Epstein. In a heartwarming moment, His Holiness the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy in the spoken word category for 'Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.' The album, which blends his teachings with music, features artists like Rufus Wainwright, Maggie Rogers, and Andra Day. Despite the excitement and accolades, Indian nominees Anoushka Shankar, Shakti, Siddhant Bhatia, Charu Suri, and Jahnavi Harrison did not take home any wins. However, they remained optimistic, with Bhatia saying, 'Getting nominated is a very big thing.' Suri added, 'Relevancy doesn't disappear—it gives us courage to make more music.' Harrison called the nomination 'an honour and a privilege.'
