The 2026 Grammys Recap: Who Won, Who Stunned and Who Made History
It’s time to recap the Super Bowl for music lovers. The 2026 Grammy Awards were nothing short of memorable: big wins, bold moments and breakout stars.
The Grammy Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the music industry. They were created by the Recording Academy, which was founded in 1957, to recognize outstanding achievements in music.
In the beginning, the Grammys focused mostly on traditional pop, jazz and classical music. As music changed, the awards expanded to include new genres such as rock, hip-hop, R&B, electronic and Latin music.
Over time, the Grammys added more categories, introducing major awards such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
Today, the Grammys are held every year to celebrate artists from around the world, making the show one of the most-watched and talked-about nights in music.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Trevor Noah, a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor and television host, hosted the awards for the sixth time.
For his last time hosting, Noah did not disappoint audiences, adding sharp humor and memorable celebrity interactions throughout the night.
Read along to hear the best moments of the night and an exclusive interview with Azzy Brooks, who attended the 2026 Grammys.
BIGGEST WINS
The Grammys are always a thrilling night for viewers and even more so for artists up for major awards that help define their careers.
Many celebrated artists were up for awards this year, including Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”), Doechii (“Anxiety”), Rosé and Bruno Mars (“APT.”), Bad Bunny (“DtMF”), HUNTR/X (“Golden”), Kendrick Lamar with SZA (“Luther”) and Sabrina Carpenter (“Manchild”).
From first wins to history-making winning records, the Grammys offered both surprise and success.
The evening’s most talked-about moment came when Bad Bunny made Grammy history, becoming the first artist with a Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Bunny’s win was more than symbolic. It marked a major cultural milestone for Latin music on the world stage. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Bad Bunny dedicated his award to immigrants chasing their dreams, using his time onstage to share a powerful message about humanity.
Kendrick Lamar had a huge night, adding Record of the Year with SZA for “Luther” to his incredible haul, reinforcing his place as one of the most awarded rappers in Grammy history.
Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, took home Song of the Year for “Wildflower.” The category was fierce, as all nominated songs gained major popularity this year. Eilish’s career continues to rise at only 24 years old.
Olivia Dean captured the coveted Best New Artist award, marking a major moment in her rising career. Chappell Roan, the 2025 winner, presented the award.
Dean has had a huge jump to stardom, achieving a No. 1 album and single in the United Kingdom, hosting an album release show for The Art of Loving in London and making various festival appearances throughout the year.
When Dean went onstage to make her acceptance speech, she honored her immigrant grandparents, sharing that she is “a product of bravery.”
BEST PERFORMANCES
The ceremony itself was full of unforgettable performances that kept viewers glued to their screens and the live audience dancing out of their seats.
The show opened with a high-energy performance of “APT.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars, whose collaboration set an electric tone for the rest of the evening.
Sabrina Carpenter brought one of the most talked-about performances of the night to the 2026 Grammy Awards with her live rendition of “Manchild,” turning the stage into an airport-themed spectacle that was equal parts playful and theatrical. Backup dancers dressed as passengers and airport staff added character and fun to the number. Carpenter truly made the performance feel like a mini musical.
In one of the most talked-about moments, she held a live white dove that flew around the stage and even landed in her hand, a decision that sparked discussion online. Though she was nominated in six Grammy categories, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year, she didn’t take home a win this year. However, her high-energy, whimsical performance still became one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Lady Gaga delivered a visually stunning performance of “Abracadabra,” blending dramatic staging with powerful vocals that instantly became one of the night’s highlights.
Lola Young had a standout moment, winning Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy.” After taking a break from performing for her mental health, Young’s return and win resonated with fans as a story of resilience and authenticity.
Moments of levity and surprise kept the audience talking, too. Justin Bieber returned to the Grammy stage with a bold, stripped-down performance of “Yukon,” while Alex Warren, a Best New Artist nominee, had viewers levitating during his performance of the hit song “Ordinary.” Warren, although battling technical issues, turned it into a moment of perseverance that fans loved.
One of the night’s most exciting segments was the Best New Artist medley, a showcase of all eight nominees that felt like a mini concert spotlighting tomorrow’s biggest stars. The medley moved across different stages and even into backstage areas, turning the Grammys into an immersive celebration of new talent.
The set kicked off with indie-rock vibes from The Marías, whose dreamy “No One Noticed” transported the audience into a smoky, ocean-lit soundscape. Pop energy followed as Addison Rae made a theatrical entrance, performing “Fame Is a Gun” with bold choreography that lit up the backstage. Next up was the global pop girl group KATSEYE, whose synchronized moves and hit “Gnarly” brought instant hype.
Leon Thomas, known for the hit Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” shifted gears with his soulful R&B track “MUTT,” showing off his musical skills and smooth vocals, while Alex Warren sang his moving ballad “Ordinary,” rising above the moonlit crowd.
The medley slowed for a heartfelt piano moment from Lola Young, whose stripped-down take on “Messy” brought emotional depth before the spotlight turned to the evening’s eventual winner, Olivia Dean. She energized the crowd with “Man I Need,” radiating confidence and star power in a glittering red outfit.
The finale came courtesy of Sombr, whose performance of “12 to 12,” complete with a mirror-ball suit, closed the showcase on a playful and catchy note.
This medley not only gave viewers a taste of each artist’s style but also underlined how diverse and dynamic this year’s Best New Artist category was, from indie rock and R&B to pop theatrics and viral hits.
Tyler, the Creator returned to the Grammy stage in bold, theatrical fashion after several years away. He delivered a high-energy medley combining “Thought I Was Dead” and “Sugar on My Tongue,” two standout tracks from his acclaimed recent albums CHROMAKOPIA and Don’t Tap the Glass.
Though Tyler entered the night with six nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, his only win was for Best Album Cover for CHROMAKOPIA, the first time that award was presented at the Grammys.
The night also featured heartfelt tributes to late music legends. Artists including Post Malone, Slash and Lauryn Hill honored Ozzy Osbourne, and a tribute to soul icon D’Angelo brought together musical greats in a touching celebration of his legacy.
BOLDEST MOMENTS
What made this Grammys especially memorable was how many artists used their platform to speak out. Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean used their acceptance speeches to raise awareness about immigration and human rights, echoing themes that appeared throughout the night.
Harry Styles returned to the Grammy Awards stage after winning Album of the Year for Harry’s House in 2023. Styles presented the Album of the Year award to Bad Bunny. Fans are looking forward to seeing more of Styles as he prepares for a Madison Square Garden residency beginning in Aug. 2026.
Before the awards even began, the 2026 Grammy red carpet set the tone for a night of creativity, personality and daring fashion choices. From avant-garde couture to statement-making accessories, artists left fans in awe on social media.
Laufey embraced vintage-inspired elegance in a purple Miu Miu flapper-style dress, complete with crystals and beads that shimmered with movement, while Tyla dazzled in a feathered DSquared2 gown that radiated both comfort and high fashion. Paris Hilton also appeared on the red carpet, embracing sequins and old Hollywood flair.
Cher received a Lifetime Achievement Award, adding a layer of legacy and celebration to the evening.
INSIDE THE GRAMMYS: TAMPA’S RISING STAR, AZZY BROOKS
Nights like the Grammys ignite passion for music among aspiring artists worldwide. For Tampa’s own rising star, Azzy Brooks, it wasn’t just a show; it was a front-row look at what the future of music might hold.
Brooks has been performing onstage and recording her own music since she was a little girl. Her earliest covers that helped her build an online following included performances of well-known pop songs such as Bebe Rexha’s “You Can’t Stop the Girl” and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow.” These were among the first popular hits she covered on her YouTube channel as she began sharing her music with an audience. Brooks didn’t just grab the industry’s attention, but also Rexha’s.
Brooks was given the opportunity to play Avery on the hit YouTube series “Music Club Kids,” which has millions of followers.
Today, Brooks continues to cover songs on social media and during live performances, while also releasing original music. In 2025, Brooks released her song “He’s Got a Truck” and its music video on YouTube.
Reflecting on the night, Brooks shared her most unforgettable moment.
“I have so many amazing memories from that night, but the one that stands out to me as an artist the most would be Alex Warren’s performance,” Brooks says. “Life is messy, it’s unplanned, it’s beautiful, and sometimes it doesn’t go according to how you thought it would, and that’s OK. You keep going and push through the best you can. In the end, you will be OK, and everything will work out.”
As a young artist, being in a room full of inspirational, accomplished artists was incredibly motivating for Brooks.
“Being in the room at the Grammys with so many artists I’ve looked up to for years really changed the way I see my future,” Brooks says. “Coming from Tampa, I learned that where you start doesn’t limit where you can go. I believe that I belong in spaces like that one day, not as a guest, but as an artist on that Grammy stage.”
GRAMMY GOLD
From historic big wins to unforgettable performances and a wave of breakout stars, the 2026 Grammys proved that music’s future is just as exciting as its legacy. It was a night full of bold risks, emotional moments and internet-breaking surprises, reminding fans everywhere that the Grammys are still one of the most powerful stages in music.
