Quick Read
- Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for “Debi Tirar Más Fotos,” marking the first all-Spanish language album to do so.
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home Record of the Year for “Luther.”
- Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” was named Song of the Year.
- Olivia Dean received the award for Best New Artist.
- Pharrell Williams was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 1, 2026, delivered a night of impactful wins and memorable performances, prominently featuring Bad Bunny’s historic Album of the Year victory for his all-Spanish language album, “Debi Tirar Más Fotos.” This groundbreaking win marked a significant shift in the music industry’s recognition, underscoring the expanding global influence of non-English language music.
Alongside Bad Bunny’s triumph, Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home the coveted Record of the Year award for their collaboration “Luther,” while Billie Eilish secured Song of the Year for “Wildflower.” The ceremony was a blend of star-studded performances, heartfelt tributes, and moments of social commentary, all contributing to a dynamic evening that will be remembered for its diverse set of honorees.
Bad Bunny’s Groundbreaking Album of the Year
Bad Bunny’s win for Album of the Year was arguably the most talked-about moment of the night. His album, “Debi Tirar Más Fotos,” became the first entirely Spanish-language project to ever receive the prestigious award. Overcome with emotion, the artist dedicated his win to “all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams,” a pointed remark delivered in English that resonated deeply amidst discussions surrounding immigration policies.
His victory was a powerful statement on the growing mainstream appeal and critical recognition of Latin music. The album triumphed over a strong field of nominees, including Justin Bieber’s “Swag,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” cementing its place in Grammy history.
Major Category Victories at Grammys 2026
Beyond the top honor, other major categories saw deserving artists recognized. Kendrick Lamar, a reigning Grammy champion, continued his winning streak by securing Best Rap Album in addition to Record of the Year for “Luther,” a collaboration with SZA. Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” released as a single in February 2025 and featured on her 2024 album Hit Me Hard and Soft, was honored with Song of the Year, meeting the eligibility criteria for the 2026 awards cycle.
Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, a testament to her rising prominence in the music scene. In other notable wins, Jelly Roll earned Best Contemporary Country Album, while Lola Young was recognized for Best Pop Solo Performance, using her acceptance speech to highlight the importance of mental health in the demanding music industry. The KPop Demon Hunters songwriters, including Korean singer-songwriter Ejae, celebrated a win for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Golden,” emphasizing themes of representation and cultural unity.
Memorable Performances and Tributes
The 68th Grammys stage was alive with diverse performances and poignant tributes. Pop icon Cher, after an 18-year absence, received a Lifetime Achievement Award and delivered a characteristically memorable, if slightly chaotic, presentation for Record of the Year, famously announcing the wrong name before correcting herself. The In Memoriam segment featured a moving reunion of Fugees’ Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who performed a climactic rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in honor of soul legend Roberta Flack.
Country star Reba McEntire made her first-ever Grammys performance, singing “Trailblazer” as part of the In Memoriam tribute, which included a special nod to her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock. Rock and hip-hop converged as Post Malone and Slash teamed up for a blistering tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, performing Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Tyler, The Creator captivated audiences with a theatrical, live-action music video performance for “Sugar on My Tongue,” while Bruno Mars debuted his new single “I Just Might” with a vibrant “Soul Train”-inspired set.
Artists Leverage Grammys Platform for Social Commentary
The night also saw artists using their platform to address pressing social and political issues. Billie Eilish, during her acceptance speech for Song of the Year, directly challenged the Trump administration’s immigration policies, stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land. We just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices matter.” This sentiment was echoed by Bad Bunny’s dedication of his Album of the Year award, aligning with a broader theme of advocacy present throughout the evening.
Pharrell Williams accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award from Q-Tip, expressing gratitude for the recognition of Black music’s power and encouraging continuous dedication. Host Trevor Noah deftly navigated these moments, even playfully coaxing a brief, unofficial performance from Bad Bunny despite a supposed Super Bowl contract clause, adding a lighthearted touch to the evening’s proceedings.
The 2026 Grammy Awards, particularly through Bad Bunny’s historic win and the diverse array of recognized talent, signaled a clear evolution in the music industry’s landscape, demonstrating an increasing embrace of global sounds, cultural representation, and artists who leverage their influence for social advocacy.