A Surprisingly Strong Night at the 2026 Grammys

Going into the 2026 Grammy Awards, expectations were low. It felt like a quieter year for music overall, without many massive, culture-dominating releases to root for across every category. There wasn’t much emotional investment heading in, which made the end result even more surprising: this was easily one of the most enjoyable Grammy ceremonies in recent memory.

What made the night work was structure. The show flowed smoothly, performances felt intentional, and the ceremony never lost momentum. For once, the Grammys didn’t feel bloated or disconnected. Instead, it felt like a carefully curated celebration of artistry—and that made all the difference.

The night kicked off with a high-energy performance from ROSE and Bruno Mars, whose collaboration “APT” proved to be the perfect opener. Their rock-leaning rendition immediately set the tone, signaling that this year’s show would prioritize spectacle and performance over playing it safe. Bruno Mars later returned to debut his new single, further reinforcing his status as one of pop’s most reliable live performers.

Trevor Noah returned as host for what is reportedly his final time, closing out a strong run. His comfort onstage and natural humor continue to suit the Grammys well, and his departure will leave big shoes to fill. If the Recording Academy is smart, they’ll look toward comedians who can balance sharp wit with cultural awareness.

The performances were the night’s true highlight. Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the most memorable sets with an airport-themed staging for “Manchild,” blending strong vocals with clever visual storytelling. Lady Gaga reminded audiences of her commitment to theatrical chaos with “Abracadabra,” leaning fully into her signature darkness and camp. Tyler, The Creator transformed his performance into something cinematic, proving once again that intentional staging can elevate even unfamiliar music.

Justin Bieber’s return was one of the evening’s most emotionally resonant moments. His stripped-down performance of “YUKON,” complete with loop pedal and minimal production, felt deeply vulnerable. After years of intense public scrutiny and time away from the spotlight, his performance marked a quiet but powerful comeback.

The Best New Artist showcase was another standout. Each nominee performed the song that defined their rise, making the segment feel more like a concert than an award presentation. From The Marías’ long-overdue recognition to breakout moments from KATSEYE and Lola Young, the category felt genuinely competitive. Olivia Dean’s eventual win felt well-earned, capping off a poised and elegant showing.

Among the major awards, Kendrick Lamar led the night in nominations, with “Luther” taking Record of the Year—an expected but deserving win given its cultural impact. Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year victory was historic, marking the first all-Spanish album to win the award. His acceptance speech, emphasizing love over hate, was one of the evening’s most meaningful moments.

Not every win landed perfectly, song of the Year felt like a safer choice than necessary, but overall, the 2026 Grammys succeeded by rewarding boldness. Artists who leaned into authenticity and risk defined the night, making this year’s ceremony feel revitalized and genuinely exciting.