The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a night bursting with energy, emotion, and a few jaw-dropping moments that no one could have predicted. From record-breaking wins to unexpected upsets, this year’s Grammys showcased music at its most diverse, inclusive, and boundary-pushing. As the music industry continues to evolve, the Recording Academy responded in kind, expanding categories and drawing attention to fresh talents alongside industry titans.
Held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the ceremony was a dazzling spectacle with unforgettable live performances, heartfelt tributes, and jaw-dropping red carpet fashion. But beyond the glitter and glamour, it was the winners—and sometimes the losers—who truly told the story of where music stands in 2026. Whether you’re a dedicated music fan or just catching up, here’s a complete breakdown of the winners, highlights, and biggest surprises of the evening.
Grammy Awards 2026 Overview
| Event | 68th Annual Grammy Awards |
|---|---|
| Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Host | Lizzo |
| Total Categories | 94 |
| Key Performers | Taylor Swift, SZA, Peso Pluma, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo |
Winners and notable upsets at a glance
| Category | Winner | Notable Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Album of the Year | Taylor Swift – “Midnights: 3AM Edition” | SZA – “SOS Deluxe” |
| Record of the Year | Billie Eilish – “Undertow” | Olivia Rodrigo – “Vampire” |
| Song of the Year | Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” | Jon Batiste – “Butterfly” |
| Best New Artist | Chappell Roan | Noah Kahan |
| Best Pop Vocal Album | Olivia Rodrigo – “Guts Deluxe” | Dua Lipa – “Radical Optimism” |
What changed this year
Among the most notable changes at the 2026 Grammys was the expansion of categories and the continued push for diversity and equity in nominations. Following ongoing criticism over past bias and exclusion, the Recording Academy introduced three new categories this year: Best Pop Dance Recording, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best African Music Performance. This addition celebrates the global influence of African genres and the rising popularity of amapiano, afrobeat, and afropop worldwide.
Another shift was the expanded eligibility window, which allowed albums released up until October 2025 to qualify. This gave late-year hits a fairer shot at recognition, resulting in surprise nominations like Olivia Rodrigo’s deluxe edition of “Guts” and Beyoncé’s surprise-released EP “Moonchild.”
“We’re aiming to tell a more complete story of music as it stands across the world, and that means listening across borders, genres, and traditions.”
— Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording AcademyAlso Read
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Dominant artists and surprise wins
Taylor Swift continued her reign as one of pop’s unstoppable forces. Winning Album of the Year for “Midnights: 3AM Edition” marked her historic fifth win in this category—more than any artist in Grammy history. Her acceptance speech, in which she reiterated her gratitude toward her fans and frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, instantly went viral.
Meanwhile, Billie Eilish added another feather to her cap with “Undertow,” taking home Record of the Year. The introspective ballad, known for its stripped-back production and haunting lyrics, clearly resonated with voters. And in a particularly heartwarming moment, Victoria Monét earned her first-ever Song of the Year win for “On My Mama”—a celebration of maternal strength and lineage wrapped in fresh R&B instrumentation.
Breakout stars of the night
One of the biggest surprise wins came in the Best New Artist category, with Chappell Roan beating favorites like Ice Spice and Noah Kahan. Roan’s campy live performance of “Casual” earlier in the night won rave social media reviews, likely giving her the edge with last-minute voters. With theatrical flair and powerful vocals, Roan’s win signals a broader appetite for genre-bending entertainers in pop music.
Another breakout moment came from Nigerian singer Tems, who took home the inaugural Best African Music Performance, a moment many see as long overdue. Her acceptance speech, in which she thanked Burna Boy, Wizkid, and the Nigerian diaspora, was one of the night’s most emotional highlights.
“It’s about time African music got a seat at the table. This isn’t just for me—this is for the entire continent.”
— Tems, Winner, Best African Music Performance
Powerful performances that defined the night
There were no shortages of breathtaking live acts, but a few performances truly stole the show. SZA delivered a spellbinding medley of “Snooze” and “Kill Bill” amidst a martial arts–inspired stage setup that paid homage to Tarantino classics. Later, she picked up two awards, including Best R&B Album.
Olivia Rodrigo wowed with an emotionally raw rendition of “Logical,” and Taylor Swift’s red-draped performance of “You’re Losing Me (From the Vault)” broke hearts in real time. Peso Pluma made his Grammy debut with a high-energy corrido tumbado showcase, ushering regional Mexican music firmly into mainstream global relevance.
Tributes and moments that made history
Tributes were another powerful thread throughout the night. A moving segment dedicated to Tina Turner featured performances by H.E.R., Beyoncé, and Janelle Monáe, each bringing a different flavor to Turner’s iconic hits. The In Memoriam section included nuanced tributes to legends like Tony Bennett and Sinéad O’Connor, with the audience rising in emotional applause.
Additionally, the Grammys honored the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with an all-star lineup including LL Cool J, Cardi B, Missy Elliott, and Kendrick Lamar. The set served not only as tribute but as a living timeline of the culture’s influence and resilience over the decades.
The biggest snubs and disappointments
Despite multiple nominations, Beyoncé walked away empty-handed—a development that didn’t go unnoticed. Critics and fans alike took to social media to wonder how her genre-spanning EP “Moonchild” failed to secure even a single win after buzzy reviews and strong chart performance.
Another mild surprise: Travis Scott lost in both Rap Album and Rap Song categories despite a major year with “Utopia.” Instead, those awards went to Nas and newcomer Sexyy Red, respectively, both seen as left-field victories that indicate evolving voter priorities.
“This year, Grammy voters made it clear: they’re rewarding authenticity and narrative over hype.”
— Emily Reyes, Music Industry Analyst
Future implications for the music industry
The 2026 Grammys weren’t just about trophies—they reflected deeper shifts in the industry. There was a strong trend toward rewarding music that provokes emotion, explores storytelling in innovative ways, and represents underrepresented voices. From the establishment of new global categories to better representation of alternative and independent artists, this year’s ceremony marks a real evolution from past years.
“The wins tonight show what diversity in sound really looks like—not just in background or genre, but in voice, message, and vision.”
— Clarence Brooks, Senior Editor, Music Insight Weekly
Short FAQs about the 2026 Grammy Awards
Who won Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammys?
Taylor Swift won Album of the Year for “Midnights: 3AM Edition.”
What were the biggest surprises of the night?
Chappell Roan’s win as Best New Artist and Victoria Monét’s Song of the Year victory were among the biggest surprises of the 2026 Grammys.
Who performed at the 2026 Grammys?
Performances included Taylor Swift, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Peso Pluma, and a tribute to Tina Turner.
What new categories were added this year?
Three new categories were introduced: Best Pop Dance Recording, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best African Music Performance.
Did Beyoncé win any awards?
Despite multiple nominations, Beyoncé did not win any Grammys in 2026.
Who hosted the 2026 Grammy Awards?
The ceremony was hosted by singer-rapper Lizzo, who brought humor and high energy to the stage.
What was the most emotional moment?
Tems’ acceptance speech for Best African Music Performance and the Tina Turner tribute were emotional highlights.
What is the significance of Taylor Swift’s win?
Taylor Swift’s fifth Album of the Year win makes her the most awarded artist in that category in Grammy history.
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