The 68th Grammy Awards: A Night of Historic Firsts and Industry Unity
The 68th Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, unfolded as a landmark event in pop culture, where every moment seemed to align perfectly. From the red carpet to the final award, the ceremony reflected an industry keenly aware of its current significance, with artists like Justin and Hailey Bieber setting the tone by wearing matching "ICE OUT" pins.
Historic Milestones and Record-Breaking Achievements
History was made as Bad Bunny claimed the first-ever Album of the Year win for a fully Spanish-language record with Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Kendrick Lamar extended his legendary streak, earning his fifth consecutive Album of the Year nomination, solidifying his place in Grammy lore. In a groundbreaking moment for global music, a K-pop act finally secured its first Grammy win, marking a significant crossover achievement.
Memorable Performances and Surprise Victories
Lady Gaga delivered one of the night's most arresting performances by stripping things back to a raw, emotional set. Olivia Dean's Best New Artist win felt less like a surprise and more like a long-awaited confirmation of her rising talent. Behind the scenes, Steven Spielberg quietly closed the final chapter of his EGOT, adding a Grammy to his Emmy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
Complete List of Grammy Award Winners for 2026
Here is a detailed look at the winners across various categories:
- Album of the Year: Bad Bunny — Debí Tirar Más Fotos
- Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & SZA — "Luther"
- Song of the Year: Billie Eilish — "Wildflower"
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young — "Messy"
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga — Mayhem
- Best Contemporary Country Album: Jelly Roll — Beautifully Broken
- Best Música Urbana Album: Bad Bunny — Debí Tirar Más Fotos
- Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
- Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar — GNX
- Best Dance-Pop Recording: Lady Gaga — "Abracadabra"
- Best Rap Performance: Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams — "Chains & Whips"
- Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton — "Bad As I Used to Be"
- Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar ft. Lefty Gunplay — "TV Off"
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande — "Defying Gravity"
- Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas — Mutt
- Best Rock Album: Turnstile — Never Enough
- Best Dance/Electronic Album: FKA twigs — Eusexua
- Best Rock Performance: Yungblud — "Changes" (Live from Villa Park, Back to the Beginning)
- Best Metal Performance: Turnstile — "Birds"
- Best R&B Performance: Kehlani — "Folded"
- Best Traditional R&B Performance: Leon Thomas — "Vibes Don't Lie"
- Best R&B Song: Kehlani — "Folded"
- Best Alternative Music Album: The Cure — Songs of a Lost World
- Best Traditional Country Album: Zach Top — Ain't In It for My Health
- Best Global Music Performance: Bad Bunny — EoO
- Best Rock Song: Nine Inch Nails — "As Alive as You Need Me to Be"
- Best Country Song: Tyler Childers — "Bitin' List"
- Best Alternative Music Performance: The Cure — "Alone"
- Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: "Sinners"
- Best Music Video: Doechii — "Anxiety"
- Best Song Written for Visual Media: Huntr/x — "Golden" (KPop Demon Hunters)
- Best Folk Album: I'm With Her — Wild and Clear and Blue
- Best Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala — "End of Summer"
- Best African Music Performance: Tyla — "PUSH 2 START"
- Best Jazz Performance: Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade — "Windows" (Live)
- Best Orchestral Performance: Andris Nelsons & Boston Symphony Orchestra — "Messiaen: Turangalîla Symphonie"
- Best Comedy Album: Nate Bargatze — Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
- Best Melodic Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar & SZA — "Luther"
- Producer of the Year: Cirkut
- Songwriter of the Year: Amy Allen
Taken as a whole, the night represented the music industry landing exactly where it was meant to, celebrating diversity, talent, and historic breakthroughs. The 68th Grammy Awards will be remembered as a pivotal moment that highlighted the evolving landscape of global music.
