The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles was a memorable celebration of creativity, diversity, and artistry. Hosted by Trevor Noah in what might be his final Grammys as host, the show honored established icons and rising stars alike, with standout performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches. It was a night filled with moments that showcased the strength of music as a cultural force.
Artists from around the world won accolades, reflecting both commercial success and artistic innovation. There were historic wins, genre-spanning achievements, and emotional returns to the stage
Memorable Performances
The show featured a wide range of performances that stood out both visually and musically:
Bruno Mars and Rosé opened the ceremony with their global hit “APT.,” immediately setting an energetic tone for the night and getting the crowd moving early.
Lady Gaga delivered one of the night’s most talked-about moments with a dramatic performance of “Abracadabra,” dressed in an eye-catching outfit that matched the raw energy of her Mayhem era. Critics described the arrangement as theatrical and intensely rhythmic.
Sabrina Carpenter brought her own flair to the stage, performing “Manchild,” complete with runway-style staging that played out like a cinematic moment.
Tyler, the Creator turned heads with an immersive set combining “Thought I Was Dead” and “Sugar on My Tongue,” using elaborate staging and costuming for a performance that blended rap, theater, and spectacle.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Justin Bieber’s performance of “Yukon” from his 2025 album Swag. Marking his first Grammys appearance in four years, he delivered a stripped-down, intimate set that stood out among the more produced performances. Bieber took the stage with nothing more than his guitar and a minimalist setup, performing shirtless in silk boxers and socks. His approach let the song’s emotion come through and gave the audience a raw, vulnerable moment that felt personal and sincere
Tributes added emotional depth:
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Lauryn Hill led a soulful segment honoring the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack with some of the biggest names in R&B, celebrating their enduring influence.
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A powerful Ozzy Osbourne tribute featured a rock supergroup including Post Malone and Slash, putting a spotlight on rock’s legacy.
There were also vibrant showcases from the Best New Artist segment, featuring performances by Olivia Dean, Lola Young, The Marías, and others that brought fresh voices into the spotlight.
List of Winners
General Field
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Album of the Year: Debí Tirar Más Fotos – Bad Bunny – historic win as the first Spanish-language album to take home the top honor.
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Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther.”
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Song of the Year: Billie Eilish – “Wildflower.”
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Best New Artist: Olivia Dean.
Pop
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Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – Mayhem.
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Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – “Messy,” a powerful comeback moment after her hiatus.
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Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande.
Rap and Hip-Hop
This year belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who not only took home Best Rap Album for GNX but also continued building his legacy as one of the most awarded artists in hip-hop.
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Best Rap Performance: “Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams.
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Best Rap Song: “TV Off” – Kendrick Lamar ft. Lefty Gunplay.
R&B
The R&B categories highlighted both traditional and progressive voices:
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Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas – Mutt.
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Best R&B Song / Performance: Kehlani – “Folded.”
Rock and Alternative
Rock fans saw major wins:
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Best Rock Album: Turnstile – Never Enough.
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Best Rock Performance: “Changes (Live From Villa Park)” – Yungblud.
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Best Alternative Music Performance: “Alone” – The Cure.
Country
Country categories celebrated both contemporary and traditional influences:
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Best Contemporary Country Album: Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken.
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Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton – “Bad As I Used to Be.”
Dance, Latin, Global & Roots
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Best Dance/Electronic Album: FKA twigs – Eusexua.
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Latin and Global Music saw wins for Bad Bunny in Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance, along with accolades for artists like Gloria Estefan and Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso.
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Traditional and roots categories such as Americana, Blues, and Folk also recognized veteran and emerging talents, including winners like Jon Batiste for Best Americana Album and Buddy Guy for Best Traditional Blues Album.
What Made This Grammys Stand Out
This year’s ceremony felt rich with energy, emotion, and cultural importance. Bad Bunny’s historic Album of the Year win was a powerful moment for representation. Kendrick Lamar continued to rewrite the record books, and artists across genres delivered performances that ranged from experimental and bold to soulful and nostalgic. Many winners used their acceptance speeches to speak about broader social themes, making the night feel both celebratory and purposeful.
