Two new categories were included in the nominations for the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, announced on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Best Roots Song, part of the Traditional field, highlights six songs that showcase Latin America’s folkloric diversity. 

The new category honors songwriters of new songs that reflect the roots, cultures,and social groups of Ibero-American communities, and incorporate traditional genres such as tango, folk, flamenco. This year’s nominees are: "Aguacero" by Luis Enrique & C4 Trío, "Como Quisiera Quererte" by Natalia Lafourcade & El David Aguilar, "El Palomo y La Negra" by Natalia Lafourcade, "Jardín del Paraíso" by Monsieur Periné & Bejuco, and "Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii" by Bad Bunny.

The Best Roots Song category was created following extensive research and was unanimously approved by the Latin GRAMMYs Board of Directors. "We received over 300 songs [to be considered]," Luis Dousdebes, Chief Awards, Membership and Preservation Officer of the Latin Recording Academy, tells GRAMMY.com. "The variety of the six nominees reflects the cultural richness and Latin American roots. It’s a pride to see this category."

It also reflects the Latin Recording Academy’s commitment to the legacy of Latin music and the industry's constant evolution. "Caring for the roots, but also developing youth with new rhythms, new fusions, while maintaining the roots," Dousdebes adds. 

Learn more about the inaugural nominees in the brand-new Best Roots Songs Category below, and be sure to tune into the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, Thursday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) on Univision, Galavisión and ViX to see who wins. 

Luis Enrique, C4 Trío - "Aguacero"

Songwriters: Luis Enrique, Fernando Osorio & Rodner Padilla

The opening notes of "Aguacero" immerse the listeners in the roots of Venezuela, the country and people for whom this song is intended. The Venezuelan cuatro is the instrumental protagonist of this single performed by the three-time Latin GRAMMY-winner Nicaraguan singer Luis Enrique, and two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning group C4 Trío.

"Aguacero" channels through its lyrics the plea, or prayer, of the Venezuelan people, incorporating fragments of the national anthem, which further roots the message of this song. The result is a battle cry that resonates with millions of Venezuelans in exile, each with their unique stories of resilience and renewal.

The song, while not directly a political denunciation, incorporates phrases used by the Venezuelan opposition as symbols of resistance, such as "Hasta el Final" within the lyrics. 

Natalia Lafourcade feat. El David Aguilar - "Como Quisiera Quererte"

Songwriters: El David Aguilar & Natalia Lafourcade

What happens when two friends get together at dawn to share love stories over shots of mezcal? The result — if those friends are musicians — is songs like "Como Quisiera Quererte." 

This is precisely how the song was born, part of Cancionera, Natalia Lafourcade’s twelfth album, in which she continues her deep exploration of the roots and sounds of her native Mexico and Latin America.

Written by Lafourcade alongside fellow singer/songwriter El David Aguilar, "Como Quisiera Quererte" is a musical time machine to the boleros of yesteryear, where heartbreak coexists among gentle guitars and subtle pianos. At the forefront are lyrics that capture what the singer herself defines as the "diffuse feelings of love."

"At the time, we didn't even understand it in all its strength," Natalia Lafourcade shared on Instagram in February about the song. "We didn’t even expect to write about the feeling we shared during conversations on highways, while traveling to southern Veracruz, and listening to Agustín Lara with Toña la Negra. Between waves and dunes. Like that, by surprise, among other songs we were writing, it came like an arrow of feeling."

Natalia Lafourcade - "El Palomo y La Negra"

Songwriters: El David Aguilar & Natalia Lafourcade

Cancionera gave birth to luminous songs that led Natalia Lafourcade and El David Aguilar to share a double nomination in this same category.

Contrary to "Como Quisiera Quererte," in "El Palomo y La Negra," Lafourcade celebrates love with a track that pays musical tribute to Mexican weddings through an exquisite fusion of Veracruz son jarocho and tropical rhythms that at times transport the listener to 1960s Cuba.

In a bold yet captivating move, Natalia gives her fans a love story told over seven minutes, allowing herself to take a journey through Latin America. The narrative includes direct references to Peru and Venezuela’s mountains through verses, as well as musically evoking the southern Mexican and Caribbean tropicalities.

This is the second time that 18-time Latin GRAMMY winner Natalia Lafourcade has worked with French-Mexican musician and director Adán Jodorowsky on the production of one of her albums. Besides Cancionera, Jodorowsky also produced the Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY-winning LP De Todas las Flores. 

Anita Vergara, Tato Marenco - "ELLA" 

Songwriters: Tato Marenco

Twenty-eight years ago, singer and plastic surgeon Anita Vergara experienced one of the darkest times in her life: she was unjustly imprisoned. Vergara’s life story and resilience so impacted Colombian musician, producer, and composer Tato Marenco that he turned her experience into a song.

Released in May, "ELLA" was written and produced by Marenco. "Her life story conveyed to me the powerful message of: don’t give up," he shared in a press release. "Each obstacle teaches and reveals how strong you can become. It inspired me to write something that represented that."

In "ELLA," Marenco drew upon the drums, gaita, and brass characteristic of Barranquilla’s sound, as well as chandé, the signature rhythm of Barranquilla’s Carnival, an event that is part of the city’s idiosyncrasy and cultural fabric, represented in artistic expressions like "Danza del Garabato."

Marenco has been nominated twice for the Latin GRAMMYs, and has collaborated with artists such as Carlos Vives, Shakira, and Ryan Castro, among others.

Monsieur Periné feat. Bejuco - "Jardín del Paraíso" 

Songwriters: Catalina García Barahona, William Martínez, Juan Carlos Mindinero Satizabal & Julio Reyes Copello

Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, so when the COP16 World Biodiversity Summit was coming to Colombia, organizers wanted an artist from the host city, Cali, to create one of the meeting’s anthems.

Written by Cali native Catalina García — Monsieur Periné’s vocalist — members of Bejuco, including William Martínez (vocalist) and Juan Carlos Mindinero, aka "Cankita" (pianist and musical director), along with renowned Colombian producer and composer Julio Reyes Copello, "Jardín del Paraíso" invites listeners on a journey throughout Colombia, in a heartfelt tribute to the Latin American nation’s flora and fauna.

According to WWF Colombia, the song was created after an environmental experience that Monsieur Periné and Bejuco had in Tumaco, a coastal municipality in southern Colombia. There, the bands heard the stories and dreams from children who are part of the National Participation Network: We Lead Change, supported by Save the Children. 

"Jardín del Paraíso" was released on July 26, 2024, on International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem and was part of WWF Colombia’s efforts to showcase the biodiversity of the country’s Pacific shore. 

Two-time Latin GRAMMY winner Monsieur Periné is a band that has become known in Latin America and around the world not only for its eclectic sound but also for its environmental and social consciousness. Their vocalist, Catalina García, is also part of WWF Colombia’s Team Panda, serving as an environmental ambassador for the organization. Bejuco is a 10-member group created in 2015 among Tumaco’s mangroves, recognized for their ability to spread and perpetuate the traditional rhythms of the southern Pacific. 

Bad Bunny - "Lo Que Le Pasó A Hawaii"

Songwriters: Bad Bunny, Luis Amed Irizarry, MAG, Marcos Efrain Masis, Flor Morales Ramos, Jay Anthony Nuñez & Roberto Jose Rosado Torres

Bad Bunny took the entire music industry by surprise when he released his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FoToS on a day when Puerto Rico, Spain, and some Latin American countries celebrate Three Kings Day (in Catholicism, the celebration of Epiphany). 

Not only did the unorthodox release date make an impact, but so did the album’s overall concept: A profound tribute to Puerto Rican sound, in which Benito Martínez Ocasio, the artist’s name at birth, connects directly with his roots through the jíbaro, the island’s quintessential cultural symbol.

Although the album enjoys worldwide success (it made Bad Bunny the first Latin artist to obtain 100 career entries on the Billboard Hot 100), it was written with Puerto Ricans in mind; it’s Bad Bunny’s gift to his people and the artist’s plea for defending their island.

Within this fight against gentrification stands out "Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii" — one of the most political songs in his repertoire. In the track, Bad Bunny establishes a direct dialogue with his fellow citizens on various social struggles, such as beach privatization and the defense of identity and legacy through an emotional plea in the verse "No suelten la bandera, ni olvide' el lelolai," (Don’t let go of the flag, don’t forget the lelolai) referencing a jíbaro vocalization characteristic of the island’s folk music.

Bad Bunny references Hawaii’s history — an island that was annexed by the United States in 1898 and has fought against gentrification and colonialism — to encourage historical memory and prompt reflection by Puerto Ricans.

See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.

At the 2026 Grammys, winning artists took to the stage with much more than gratitude on their minds. Grammy winners such as Lady Gaga and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Cher supported rising artists, particularly women in the music industry. Kendrick Lamar deflected from his own victories to pay tribute to Luther Vandross, namesake of his Record-Of-The-Year-winning tune, and the hip-hop community at large.

In particular, many artists reacted to the ongoing campaign of deportations and anti-immigrant violence happening across the U.S. Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean all spoke movingly in support of immigrants, while many other artists wore "ICE OUT" pins.

Below, revisit some of the most moving acceptance speeches from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch all the 2026 Grammys acceptance speeches in full.

Kendrick Lamar Makes Rap History & Shouts Out The Hip-Hop Community

After dominating the 2025 Grammys with "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar took home five Grammys this year and became the rapper with the most Grammy wins ever. After winning three Grammys earlier in the day during the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the Los Angeles artist won the first Grammy Award of the telecast for Best Rap Album for GNX. With this Grammy win, he topped JAY-Z's 25 wins to snatch the record for most Grammys won by a rapper.

"Every time I tell you this: Hip-hop is gonna always be right here," Lamar said in his Grammy acceptance speech, dedicating his win to the hip-hop movement. "We gonna be in these suits, we gonna be looking good, we gonna be having our folks with us, we're gonna be having the culture with us."

Kendrick also shouted out Clipse, with whom he won Best Rap Performance earlier in the day for their track "Chains & Whips." He would return to the stage once more before the end of the night to take home the Grammy for Record of the Year for his song "luther" with SZA, bringing his career total to 27 Grammy wins.

Bad Bunny Stands Up For Immigrants

Of the many statements made in support of immigrants at the 2026 Grammys, few felt more powerful and resonant than Bad Bunny's, who twice spoke on the issue on the Grammy stage. Accepting the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, the Puerto Rican superstar front-loaded his acceptance speech with a rebuke of the dehumanizing rhetoric faced by immigrants, especially Latin Americans such as himself.

"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say: ICE out," he declared. "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."

Later that night, after winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, a visibly shocked and overwhelmed Bad Bunny returned to the stage to deliver another Grammy acceptance speech, though this time mostly in Spanish. It was an appropriate move considering the history-making album is the first non-English-language album to ever win the Grammy for Album Of The Year. But given his stunned reaction, Bad Bunny may have just been too emotional to so quickly translate most of his thoughts. But in a fitting move, he dedicated his Grammy win to "all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams."

Olivia Dean Tearfully Takes Best New Artist

"I never imagined I'd be up here, let alone nominated," Olivia Dean said as she tearfully accepted the Grammy for Best New Artist. Having just performed her U.K. chart-topping single "Man I Need" on the Grammy stage, the British singer used her platform to speak out in support of immigrants, including her own grandmother, who immigrated to the U.K. from Guyana as part of the Windrush generation.

"I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant," Dean said. "I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."

Lady Gaga Supports Women In Music

As well-known as she is for awards-show spectacles – Remember the meat dress? – Lady Gaga kept things (mostly) low-key and earnest. Following a dynamic performance of "Abracadabra," she returned to the stage to accept the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM.

Thanking her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and her collaborators, including Cirkut, who won the Grammy for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical winner, and Gessaffelstein, the latter of whom won the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording for his remix of "Abracadabra," Lady Gaga offered some encouraging words for women in the music industry.

"When you're in the studio with a bunch of guys, it can be hard," she said. "Always listen to yourself and always fight for your ideas, fight for your songs, fight for yourself as a producer."

"Abracadabra" also won the Grammy for Best Dance Pop Recording, bringing her total career Grammy wins to 16.

Lola Young Swears She Didn't Expect Grammy Win

Though Lola Young certainly had stiff competition in the Best Pop Solo Performance Category, including veterans such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, nobody was more shocked at her Grammy win in than Young herself. The singer, also nominated for Best New Artist, had just wrapped an emotional piano rendition of her track "Messy" earlier in the evening, one of her first live performances in four months following a health scare.

"I don't have any speech prepared," a visibly shocked Young said. "I don't know what to say. Thank you so much!" Utterly overwhelmed and searching for words, Young dropped a few less-than-TV-appropriate words before thanking her friends and mother and fleeing the stage while in a state of pure ecstasy.

Billie Eilish Gets Serious During Song Of The Year Speech

Winning the Grammy for Song of the Year for "WILDFLOWER," her 10th Grammy, didn't seem to weigh heavily on Billie Eilish's mind as she took the stage to accept the award. Flanked by her brother and creative partner FINNEAS, both wearing "ICE OUT" pins, as were many of the other attendees, the pop star weighed in on the current anti-immigration policies being carried out in the U.S.

"No one is illegal on stolen land," Eilish said. "It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now … I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter."

The more serious tone of the speech contrasted with Eilish's previous wins, but it felt more than appropriate given the current climate.

Cher's Audacious Return To The Grammy Stage

Cher is always a class act. With dozens of hits across a decades-spanning career, she earned the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award deservedly. Her acceptance speech on the Grammy stage quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

First, she gave a stirring speech reflecting on her storied yet tumultuous time in show business. "I was famous at 19 and had a top-rated show in my 20s, actually, but it didn't occur to me how rough my career was going to be," she said. "I was either a loser or winning an Oscar. I'm sure a lot of you in the audience know what I'm talking about."

Cher also reflected on her stint in the "elephant graveyard" of Las Vegas in the '80s and her pioneering use of AutoTune on her Grammy-winning hit single "Believe." She closed out her speech by encouraging the audience: "Never give up on your dream, no matter what happens. Live it, be it, and if it's not happening now, it will happen soon."

Then things got a little bit … whacky. Apparently unclear that she would be presenting the Grammy for Record of the Year, the singer nearly walked off the stage before the crowd and host Trevor Noah coaxed her back. Then she mistakenly declared the late Luther Vandross the winner, in reference to the winning song, "luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Oh Cher, don't you ever change!

Jelly Roll Goes Full Country Music

Jelly Roll had already won two Grammys earlier in the day for collaborations with Brandon Lake and Shaboozey, but it wasn't until the evening that he got to ascend the Grammy stage solo. Winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, he made his acceptance speech into a sort of country song in its own right, thanking his wife, referencing his Christian faith, and describing the troubles that led him to turn to music.

"I didn't think I had a chance, y'all," he said. "There were days that I thought the darkest things. I was a horrible human … There was a moment in my life that all I had was a Bible this big and a radio the same size and a six-by-eight-foot cell. And I believed that those two things could change my life."

The singer wrapped his speech by once again invoking religion: "Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label."

"luther" Wins Record of the Year

Cher may have been a bit off when she confidently misread that the Grammy for Record of the Year was going to "Luther Vandross." But the actual winners, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, made it clear that their chart-topping tune "luther" was a spiritual victory for the legendary R&B star who inspired the song, which prominently samples Vandross' and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 cover of "If This World Were Mine."

"First and foremost, let's give a shout-out to the late, great Luther Vandross," co-producer Sounwave began. "It was very, very, very important to keep the integrity of his record."

Lamar echoed the sentiment. "It's one of my favorite artists of all time, and they granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you we damn near all dropped a tear.

"Being able to put our vocals on it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals," he continued. "They granted us that. They said, 'No cursing,' though."

Finally, SZA struck a note of hopefulness at the end of the speeches. "I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary, and all is lost," she said. "We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other and trust ourselves, trust your heart. We're not governed by the government, we're governed by God."

This Grammy win for "luther" puts Lamar in elite territory as a back-to-back Record Of The Year Grammy winner, joining fellow winners like Billie Eilish, U2, and the late Roberta Flack, the latter of whom was tributed in the annual In Memoriam celebration led by Ms. Lauryn Hill earlier in the ceremony.

See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.

The Grammys have undeniably always been Music's Biggest Night, but there's an argument its one of fashion's biggest nights, too. Over the years, the Grammys have offered fans an endless display of eye-catching and boundary-pushing fashion, in between celebrating music, and the 2026 Grammys were no exception.

The sartorial parade began, of course, on the Grammy red carpet, where Grammy nominees, presenters, and more of the music industry's brightest stars celebrated the year in musical excellence. But with plenty of outfit changes, over-the-top performances and surprise appearances during the show, the can't-miss looks continued throughout the entire evening — all the way up until host Trevor Noah bid the millions watching at home a good night.

Below, check out some of the most unforgettable and talked-about looks from the 2026 Grammys, from Chappell Roan's spicy Mugler moment to Bad Bunny's history-making haute couture.

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan, last year's Best New Artist winner, turned heads on the Grammy red carpet with a custom Mugler ensemble involving nipple rings, pastie prosthetics, and a plethora of medieval-inspired temporary tattoos. (The entire look was directly inspired by Mugler's Jeu de Paume couture collection from spring/summer 1998.)

While the risqué outfit set the internet positively ablaze, Roan — who was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her 2025 single "The Subway" and presented this year's Grammy Award for Best New Artist to Olivia Dean — shrugged off the online pearl-clutching with a laugh.

"Giggling because I don't even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look's actually so awesome and weird," Roan wrote in an Instagram post after the Grammys.

"I recommend just exercising your free will it's really fun and silly :D," the Midwest Princess continued. "Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!"

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter was nothing short of a vision when she arrived at the 2026 Grammys wearing a romantic custom gown by Valentino.

Honoring the late Italian fashion icon, who died in January at 93, the superstar's dress featured a dainty, sheer capelet for the sleeves, a sparkling bodice made of crystalline, beaded flowers, and a cascading, ruffled skirt.

Nominated for six Grammys — including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album —  for her 2025 album Man's Best Friend, Carpenter lit up the Grammy stage early in the telecast with a maximalist production number of her No. 1 single "Manchild," which also earned nods for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video. For the high-energy, airport-themed number, Carpenter changed into a corseted pilot's uniform, complete with matching white go-go boots and an old-fashioned airline captain's hat.

KATSEYE

KATSEYE expertly resurrected the immortal tradition of girl groups rocking matching looks on the Grammys red carpet. The sextet looked all sorts of angelic in their coordinated white and silver gowns by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, complete with studded silver detailing and ample use of both halter necklines and lace.

Of course, during the telecast, the first-time Grammy nominees changed into more choreography-friendly outfits to perform their addictive single "Gnarly" — a high-octane highlight from the Best New Artist medley that also featured performances from fellow Best New Artist Grammy nominees The Marías, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young, sombr, and eventual winner Olivia Dean.

KATSEYE weren't the only group sporting a matching aesthetic at the show. British girl group FLO, who earned their first Grammy nomination this year in the Best Progressive R&B Album Category, served up regal shades of royal blue on the red carpet just days after paying tribute to Mariah Carey with a cover of "Dreamlover" at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala. The sisters of HAIM, meanwhile, opted for a trio of strappy black-and-silver dresses by Louis Vuitton. Plus, on the menswear side of the aisle, Pharrell Williams matched with Clipse in peachy velvet suits before hitting the Grammy stage to perform their 2025 collaboration "So Far Ahead," off the Grammy-nominated Let God Sort Em Out.

Teyana Taylor

Fresh off her win at the 2026 Golden Globes, Teyana Taylor wore an ab-baring gown by Tom Ford at the 2026 Grammys.

The budding multi-hyphenate, who earned her first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album for her 2025 album Escape Room, wowed in an asymmetrical look made of metallic chain mail. Continuing the red carpet theme of daring, nearly-naked fashion, the dress featured an innovative strapless design that had to be seen to be believed.

Perhaps the most striking detail, though, is that Taylor reportedly styled herself for the evening, pairing the sculptural gown with a plunging gold necklace from Tiffany & Co., bronzed makeup, and a matching manicure.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum's dress at the 2026 Grammys was both a high-fashion moment and a technological marvel. Dreamed up by Berlin-based designer Marina Hoermanseder, the skin-toned leather look brought new meaning to "nude illusion," with the dress sculpted to a mold of the supermodel's body.

"She did a little mold, and then everything is done by leather. She makes it wet, it gets molded, then she dries it. Then it gets lacquered, sprayed and voila!" Klum explained on the Grammy red carpet while dishing on "Red Eye," her new collab with Diplo created for the upcoming season of "Germany's Next Topmodel."

"I always go for, like, a showstopper kind of an outfit, you know? I'm never someone who's like, 'This looks nice,'" the longtime "Project Runway" host concluded. "I always like something special."

Following the ceremony, Hoermanseder gave followers a behind-the-scenes peek at the process of making Klum's body-baring gown via an insightful Instagram carousel. The fashion designer showed off every step of the painstaking process — from creating the very first sketches and computer models to stretching and drying the leather by hand before matching its color precisely to Klum's skin.

Bad Bunny

Hours before Bad Bunny's triumphant night at the Grammys ended with his historic win for Album of the Year, it started with the perfect Schiaparelli tuxedo.

Inspired by a gender-bending design from the French maison's Couture runway show in 2023 and featuring a laced-up, corset-style back and subtle measuring tape lapel, Benito's dapper tux made its own mark on fashion history as Schiaparelli's very first Haute Couture custom menswear look to ever grace a red carpet.

Following the 2026 Grammys, Schiaparelli took to social media to celebrate Bad Bunny's trio of big wins for Album of the Year, Best Música Urbana Album, and Best Global Music Performance. They also gleefully pointed out the fact that the past three Album of the Year Grammy winners have all accepted their Grammys while wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture — including Beyoncé in 2025 for COWBOY CARTER and Taylor Swift in 2024 for Midnights. Talk about a high fashion hat trick!

Harry Styles

Harry Styles served as the final presenter at the 2026 Grammys, returning to the Grammy stage to announce this year's winner for Album of the Year. And while the three-time Grammy winner didn't walk the Grammy red carpet, he still managed to make quite the sartorial statement by pairing a dazzling Dior blazer with — of all things — casual dark wash jeans.

"A truly great album can change the way you see everything. An artist can take you on a journey as you discover the world together. The best albums stay with you, and you can always return to them, just like old friends," Styles said, before listing off the eight albums nominated for Album of the Year and ultimately announcing Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS as the year's big winner.

See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.

"I'm so happy to see such a wide variety of voices and styles here," iconic singer/songwriter Carole King said before presenting the Grammy for Song Of The Year during the 2026 Grammys last night. More than ever before, the telecast painted a picture of music as an integrated art form, where every inch of the musical spectrum can coexist harmoniously.

As such, this year's Grammys offered plenty of thrills for all viewers, from the Afro-Caribbean manifesto of Bad Bunny to the post-modern hip-hop of Kendrick Lamar to the pop buoyancy of Sabrina Carpenter.

Here are 10 must-watch moments from one of the most memorable editions of Music's Biggest Night.

Sabrina Carpenter Has a Healthy Sense of Humor — And Impeccable Timing

There's nothing quite like a grand, exuberant musical production to kick off Grammy night, and Sabrina Carpenter delivered that iconic set piece. The pop star pulled out all the stops with a vintage-airport-themed rendition of her smash hit "Manchild," complete with a dozen or more beautifully choreographed dancers and a live dove. The timing of every moment was flawless, and Carpenter — dressed as a pilot in a white outfit with a matching cap — beamed with the infectious charisma of a woman born for this kind of massive pop spectacle. This was the kind of performance that set the perfect tone for the extravaganza of Grammy Sunday and established demand for a real Sabrina Carpenter Airline.

Hip-Hop Continues To Encapsulate The Essence Of Contemporary Culture

Hip-hop occupied a place of honor in this year's edition. Kendrick Lamar won five Grammys, taking him to 27 total Grammy wins and establishing him as the rapper with the most Grammys ever. Tyler, the Creator delivered a spectacular performance, which featured a car crash, an exploding gas station, and a guest appearance by beloved actress Regina King. Clipse, Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire triple-teamed for a rousing performance of "So Far Ahead," a highlight off their Grammy-nominated album Let God Sort Em Out.

Another unforgettable moment occurred when Pharrell accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and acknowledged the tremendous influence that both A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, who presented the award, and Dre had on his career. "I've never stopped studying," Williams declared, clearly moved to address both legendary rappers in his acceptance speech.

The Next Wave Of Pop Glitters Even Brighter

Anyone harboring concerns about the future of pop music surely came away from the evening instantly reassured, even just from the medley of performances from the eight nominees in the Best New Artist Category alone. From the brash girl group throwback of KATSEYE's "Gnarly" to the soulful traditionalism of Olivia Dean's "Man I Need," the tactile glam of Addison Rae's "Fame Is A Gun" to the slinky soul of Leon Thomas' "Mutt," the class of 2026 showed an enviable command of multiple styles. And in her acceptance speech for the Best New Artist Grammy, Dean proved unafraid to step into a big moment, showing impressive poise and seizing the moment to underscore that she is the granddaughter of an immigrant and to encourage peace and community.

Justin Bieber Reveals More Of His Vulnerable Side

Justin Bieber performs onstage during the 2026 Grammys on Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Stripped down to his boxer shorts and socks, Justin Bieber's rendition of the R&B-flavored "YUKON" felt almost like an anti-performance — and also produced one of the evening's most intimate moments. The Canadian superstar performed solo against a bare backdrop, creating loops of electric guitar and digital percussion before performing the song's lyrics with ragged intensity. The effect was hypnotic, and oddly compelling, and the camera's frequent panning to wife Hailey Bieber's adoring attention reaffirmed the deep-seated emotionality.

Music Has The Power To Change Lives

Jelly Roll delivered an acceptance speech for the ages after winning the Best Contemporary Country Album Grammy for the aptly titled Beautifully Broken. Thanking his wife Alisa for helping him to turn his life around, the 41-year-old singer/songwriter admitted that there was a time in his life when he was broken — sitting in a six-by-eight-foot cell with a Bible and a portable radio as his only companions. "I believed that music had the power to change my life, and God had the power to change my life," he said. Clearly, they did.

Lady Gaga Makes Real Magic

Lady Gaga performs onstage during the 2026 Grammys on Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California | Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

It's difficult to categorize "Abracadabra," a meta-electro hit from Lady Gaga's Mayhem that combines imperial Euro-disco grandeur, acid techno, a subterranean dash of alternative rock, and even a bit of Siouxsie and the Banshees. But on the stage, all of those calculations faded away, Gaga reminding us why she's a singular voice in the pop world. The superstar amped up the voltage on a delirious rendition of the song, her birdcage helmet and stark black-and-red dress seemingly straight out of a Terry Gilliam movie. Whether dancing wildly or bending over a synthesizer for an extra helping of distortion, Gaga remains one of dance pop's bravest explorers, and this segment added fire to her own lore.

The Golden Tenets Of Soul And Funk Will Never Go Out Of Style

From Silk Sonic to 24K Magic, retro goodness has always defined Bruno Mars' work. But "I Just Might," the single from his upcoming fourth album, may have just elevated that vintage glory to new heights and produced one of the telecast's most infectious moments. Backed by a red-and-white-clad backing band of sublimely smooth musicians and set against a gigantic glowing heart backdrop, Mars evoked the sparkly visuals of the "Soul Train" era, the vintage spirit of Stax, '70s disco and funk, and the timeless cool of Motown, all while remaining effortlessly himself.

Time May Pass, But The Sounds Remain

Each year feels as if we're mourning more and deeper losses in the music world. Fittingly, this year's In Memoriam segment became a majestic celebration of songs that will remain forever etched in our souls. It began with a lovely take on "Trailblazer" led by Reba McEntire joined by Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. Post Malone — alongside a rock supergroup featuring Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Slash — channeled his Ozzy Osbourne power through the anti-war Black Sabbath anthem "War Pigs." Finally, a tribute to the magic of D'Angelo and Roberta Flack starred the inimitable Ms. Lauryn Hill, surrounded by many illustrious guests ranging from Raphael Saadiq and Bilal to Leon Bridges and John Legend, not to mention a Fugees reunion when Wyclef Jean joined in for a breathtaking rendition of "Killing Me Softly."

Bad Bunny Finds Vindication — And Advocates Boricua Pride

With an upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance and six nominations to his name, it was clear that all eyes were on Bad Bunny last night — as they frequently are, considering he's one of the biggest pop stars on the planet today. On Grammy Sunday, his magnum opus Debí Tirar Más Fotos — a masterful love letter to the plena and salsa roots of his native Puerto Rico — became the first all-Spanish-language album to win the Grammy for Album Of The Year since the Category was instituted in 1959. It also became the first album to win the Album Of The Year Category at both the Grammy Awards and the Latin Grammy Awards.

Music Is Political By Nature

At a time when the United States — and, truly, the world at large — is facing immense turmoil, many Grammy winners took the opportunity to use the platform and face the moment. "Ice out," a steely-eyed Bad Bunny said after winning the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album. "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans. We are Americans." Billie Eilish has never been one to shy away from speaking out, and added her own affirmation: "No one is illegal on stolen land," she offered while receiving the Song Of The Year Grammy for "WILDFLOWER." And while accepting the Record Of The Year Grammy for "luther," her track with Kendrick Lamar, SZA offered a rallying cry. "Please don't fall into despair," she pleaded. "We are not governed by the government — we're governed by God." And if the crowd in the Crypto.com Arena is any indication, musicians will continue to have the capacity to bring people together and make real change.

This month, the Recording Academy reached a groundbreaking milestone with the official launch of Crear Música, the newest wing of the Academy's DREAM (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Music-People) Network, which uplifts and connects Latin creators across the music industry.

Held at CHICA at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas during Latin GRAMMY Week 2025, the launch event marked a landmark celebration that brought together artists, executives, community leaders, and Latin GRAMMY nominees for a morning that blended connection, conversation, and live performance all centered on one idea: music as a bridge between cultures.

Part of the Recording Academy's DREAM Network, an inclusive network of member resource groups spotlighting the contributions and initiatives of creators and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, Crear Música reflects the Academy's ongoing commitment to inclusion and cultural representation. Developed in partnership with the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, the Latin Recording Academy, and SESAC Latina, the program underscored a shared goal: expanding opportunity, access, and visibility for Latin creators across the global music landscape.

During his opening remarks, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. spoke about the importance of this collaboration — ensuring that Latin music is not only celebrated during GRAMMY season, but supported year-round through meaningful engagement and equitable opportunity.

"Our goal has always been to make sure the Academy reflects the world of music it represents," Mason jr. said in his speech. "That means amplifying Latin creators, building bridges with our partners at the Latin Recording Academy, and continuing to grow a membership that's as diverse and dynamic as the music itself."

Recording Academy staffers and guests attend the Crear Música: Elevating Culture, Empowering Community event on Nov. 12, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Event guests enjoyed a Latin-inspired menu curated by Chef Lorena García, whose culinary artistry at CHICA reflected the same vibrancy and storytelling spirit celebrated on stage. Chef Lorena also shared heartfelt remarks about the power of art. She spoke about the deep connection between music and cooking, two creative languages that tell stories. Welcoming nominees and guests with warmth, she reminded the room, "Esta es tu casa y este es tu día" ("This is your home and this is your day"), emphasizing that music "connects us all as Latinos — as artists and as dreamers."

The program featured a moving performance by Nic, whose soulful set embodied the heart of Crear Música: authenticity, emotion, and cultural pride. Her performance transformed the room into a shared space of reflection and joy, reminding attendees that music remains one of the world's most powerful storytellers.

Nic performs at the Crear Música: Elevating Culture, Empowering Community event on Nov. 12, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

Before the performance, Qiana Conley, Senior Executive Director of the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter, delivered remarks on the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the Chapter's role in bridging the Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy communities, particularly through dual membership and local engagement.

"Crear Música is more than a celebration, it's a commitment," Conley said. "For the first time, all Latin Recording Academy Voting Members were invited to join the Recording Academy, an important step toward a more inclusive and representative membership body."

A Commitment To The Future

As one of the eight DREAM Network groups, Crear Música serves as the Recording Academy's dedicated hub for Latin creators. Its mission is to strengthen ties between the Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy, build professional pathways, empower and elevate Latin voices in music culture, and celebrate the diversity and excellence that define Latin music today.

The Crear Música event signaled a new chapter, one in which visibility meets action and cultural celebration becomes a sustained commitment.

"This is just the beginning," Ricky Lyon, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for the Recording Academy, said in his opening remarks. "We're building something that lasts far beyond Latin GRAMMY Week — a year-round movement that ensures every creator feels seen, supported, and part of the story."

Recording Academy staffers and guests attend the Crear Música: Elevating Culture, Empowering Community event on Nov. 12, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

About Crear Música

Part of the Recording Academy's DREAM Network (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Music-People), Crear Música is a community-based initiative designed to connect and empower Latin creators and professionals across the industry through opportunity, mentorship, and storytelling that reflects the depth and impact of Latin music worldwide.

About The DREAM Network

The DREAM Network is the Recording Academy's inclusion engine, designed to amplify underrepresented voices, expand access, and build equity across the music ecosystem. Through eight community networks and emerging leadership programs, the DREAM Network ensures that every creator has space to be seen, heard, and supported. The DREAM Network is composed of eight priority resource groups:

• Women in the Mix: To build a community for all women and increase representation within the Recording Academy and in the music industry.

• Black Music Collective: Dedicated to the inclusion, recognition, and advancement of Black music and its creators and professionals.

• GRAMMYs Next Gen: Supports and empowers the next generation of music creators and professionals.

• Academy Proud: Positions the GRAMMY organization as the LGBTQIA+ inclusion leader for our members and the music community at large.

• Gold Music Alliance: Fosters meaningful connections and elevates the impact of Pan-Asian members and allies within the GRAMMY organization and the music industry.

• Crear Música: Celebrates the Latino culture, develops members, and positively impacts the music community.

• Indigenous Peoples Network: Develops a global community contributing to the preservation and honoring of Indigenous peoples and their traditions in music.

• RAA+D (Recording Academy Accessibility and Disability): A commitment beyond compliance by achieving true accessibility for everyone in our music community.

Learn more about Crear Música and the Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recent DEI achievements, and year-round work to support artists, creators and music professionals of all backgrounds.