Sunday, February 1 marked the 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony, known as one of the most reputable musical performance award shows. The event is presented by The Recording Academy, a group of musical professionals based in the United States. The show featured over 15 performances from prominent musicians across all genres, including homages to classics, with performances by distinguished artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Reba McEntire, and Post Malone, who sang tributes to deceased stars in the music industry. This year’s nominees ranged from upcoming artists like Olivia Dean to seasoned musicians such as Kendrick Lamar. Renowned comedian Trevor Noah hosted the show for one final time.
The first major award of the night was in the category of Song of the Year. The nominees included Lady Gaga (Abracadabra), Bruno Mars and Rosé (APT), Sabrina Carpenter (Manchild), Billie Eilish and FINNEAS (Wildflower), Bad Bunny (DtMF), Kendrick Lamar and SZA (luther), HUNTR/X (Golden), and Doechii (Anxiety). Carole King, singer and songwriter, announced the winners as Billie Eilish and FINNEAS for their song Wildflower. This marked Eilish’s tenth Grammy win. Eilish won Song of the Year two previous times with her songs Bad Guy (2020) and What Was I Made For? (2024). Like other artists throughout the night, Eilish spoke up against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) brutality that the nation has recently been facing in her acceptance speech. The singer gave moving words which garnered a large amount of support from audiences across the country. The award also came as somewhat of a surprise as many critics speculated the award would go to Golden, but it was nice to see Eilish win Song of the Year after she previously lost the category last year.
Record of the Year was the next major award presented. This category featured similar nominees such as Bad Bunny (DtMF), Sabrina Carpenter (Manchild), Bruno Mars and Rosé (APT), Kendrick Lamar and SZA (luther), Doechii (Anxiety), Chappell Roan (The Subway), Billie Eilish and FINNEAS (Wildflower), and Lady Gaga (Abracadabra). Singer and actress, Cher, announced Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s record luther as the recipient of the award. The song was an homage to Luther Vandross, the late R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and producer. Vandross was honored in their acceptance speech, an effort to preserve the musician’s legacy. Additionally, SZA spoke on the difficult time period that our world is currently in. She voiced warm remarks of hope, positivity and love. Overall, the two proved deserving of this major achievement.
History was also made by Bad Bunny, the 2026 Superbowl Halftime Show performer, who won Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The first fully Spanish album to win the category, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was praised by critics as a vibrant picture of Puerto Rican history and culture. Other nominees included Justin Bieber (SWAG), Sabrina Carpenter (Man’s Best Friend), Clipse, Pusha T & Malice (Let God Sort Em Out ), Lady Gaga (MAYHEM), Kendrick Lamar (GNX), Leon Thomas (MUTT), and Tyler, The Creator (CHROMAKOPIA). When the award was announced, Bad Bunny was visibly emotional and took several moments before going up to accept the award. All in all, it was a very touching moment that highlighted an amazing album from a rising star in the wider music industry.
As for another popular category, Best New Artist, the competition was very stiff. Nominees included KATSEYE, The Marías, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young and Olivia Dean. Although some nominees earned more critical praise than others, many were unsure if the more quiet personas and style of artists like Olivia Dean and The Marías would be able to beat out the mainstream success of artists like sombr or Alex Warren (back to friends and Ordinary). Nevertheless, the award ended up going to British artist Olivia Dean who broke through this year with her album The Art of Loving. With Chappell Roan presenting the award, the moment was very heartfelt for this young artist. In her acceptance speech, Dean gave a nod to the anti-ICE movement saying, “I’m proud to be the granddaughter of an immigrant.”
Aside from the major awards, one fun moment from the ceremony came when Lola Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for her song Messy. At the announcement of the award, Young jumped from her seat and bolted away from the stage and her table, completely shocked at the announcement. The song beat out notable seasoned artists like Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter, and in her acceptance speech Young expressed her shock and surprise at the award.
Additionally, in the recently revived Best Album Cover category, Tyler, the Creator won for Chromokopia. Although many fans of the artist contested he should have won Album of the Year for Chromokopia, the win was a nice touch to round out Tyler, the Creator’s third Grammy win.