The 68th Annual Grammy Awards celebrated music’s achievements on February 1, 2026. This major global event saw historic wins and powerful statements. Kendrick Lamar made history. He broke a record for most Grammy wins by a rapper. Lamar now holds 27 Grammy awards. Bad Bunny achieved a monumental feat. He won Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”. This made him the first Latin artist to win this top prize. His album was the first Spanish-language record to win Album of the Year.
Key Winners and Moments
Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home Record of the Year. They won for their collaboration “Luther”. Billie Eilish and Finneas won Song of the Year. Their song “Wildflower” earned the award. Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist. She dedicated her win to immigrants.
Lady Gaga also had a strong showing. She won Best Pop Vocal Album for “Mayhem”. Gaga also secured Best Dance Pop Recording for “Abracadabra”. Turnstile won Best Rock Album for “Never Enough”. FKA twigs won Best Dance/Electronic Album for “Eusexua”.
Political Statements Resonate
The Grammys stage became a platform for protest. Many artists spoke out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bad Bunny used his acceptance speech to call for change. He declared, “ICE out”. He added, “We are not savages, we are not animals, we are not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans”.
Billie Eilish also addressed immigration issues. She stated, “No one is illegal on stolen land”. Many stars wore “ICE OUT” pins on the red carpet. This showed a united industry stance against current immigration policies. Kehlani also voiced strong criticism of ICE.
Celebrating African Music and Culture
African music made a significant impact at the 2026 Grammys. Fela Kuti received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the first African artist honored in this category. His children accepted the award. This recognized his foundational impact on global music.
South African star Tyla won Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start”. This was her second consecutive win in this category. Her victory sparked conversations. Some debated the Recording Academy’s definition of African sound. However, her win highlighted the growing global recognition of African artists. Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid were also nominated.
Industry Trends and Representation
The 2026 Grammy Awards reflected changes in the music industry. There was a growing representation of non-Western music. Latin artists and global pop influences were more integral. This signifies a shift towards a global market as a primary growth center. The Recording Academy’s diverse voting bodies began aligning outcomes with real-world listening habits.
Kendrick Lamar’s nomination for “GNX” was his fifth consecutive for Album of the Year. This set a new record for him. The inclusion of K-pop, R&B, and soul artists also showcased diverse voices. The ceremony celebrated creativity and a new generation of musicians.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards proved to be a night of historic achievements. Major artists delivered impactful speeches. The event celebrated global talent and industry evolution. It remains a top trending event in music.
