With the 2026 Grammys here, let’s dive straight into the most exciting and surprising moments from the night.
At 5:40 p.m., The Marías kicked off the performances for the best new artist nominees. It felt refreshing to see a band just enjoying their music on live TV. Mikael Wood noted the energy was vibrant, reminiscent of Charli XCX’s chaotic entrance at the Crypto.com Arena.
Next up was Katseye, delivering a unique performance of “Gnarly.” Despite starting from reality TV, they’ve evolved into a group with a solid creative vision. In Mikael’s words, “I’m into it.”
Leon Thomas has been a name to watch lately. He played “Mutt” at multiple pre-party events, consistently impressing fans with his talent. August Brown mentioned he felt like he saw him more than his own family this year!
Meanwhile, Alex Warren’s performance drew attention for its odd setting—making him walk past a grandmother while he sang, which Mikael called “rude.”
As the night unfolded, Kendrick Lamar snagged the award for best rap album, a solid win for him. He joined the ranks of legends like Roberta Flack and Billie Eilish, who’ve achieved consecutive wins. This victory set the stage for potential big wins later in the evening. Kendrick’s sharp tuxedo looked great, but fans still reminisced about his bold all-denim look from last year.
Sabrina Carpenter also made waves with her theatrical performance of “Manchild.” She had an interesting mix of dancers—a nurse, an astronaut, and even someone dressed as a delivery guy!
A lighthearted moment arose with a joke about Nicki Minaj still being at the White House, giving everyone a laugh.
Trevor Noah’s hosting style brought fun to the ceremony. With his trademark humor, he remarked on the diversity of the audience, saying it felt like “Jeff Bezos’ wedding but with way more Black people.”
As the show heated up, Bruno Mars and Rosé of Blackpink kicked it off with their duet. Their performance took on a lively vibe reminiscent of No Doubt’s “Tragic Kingdom.”
On a broader note, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny were highlighted as two powerful artists who could change the Grammys’ narrative with this year’s awards. Fans are eager to see if they will finally claim that coveted album prize after years of nominations.
These moments illustrate not just the performances and awards, but also the cultural shifts in music today. From face tattoos in mainstream music to an increasing diversity of artists, the Grammys reflect changing trends and values in society.
In conclusion, the 2026 Grammys have set the stage for an unforgettable night. With memorable performances and a competitive spirit, the evening promises to resonate in music history for years to come. Keep an eye on how these shifts in the music industry continue to unfold. For more on the Grammys, check out Variety’s official coverage.
