History-Making Moments at the 2026 Grammys
Image courtesy of The Recording Academy / @TheGRAMMYs
We wait all year for one of the biggest nights in music, and last night was finally that night. The biggest artists, the biggest wins, the biggest moments, all in one night at the Crypto.com Arena. Every year, the Grammys carry this undeniable magic, celebrating the music that defined the past year, but I’ll say it without hesitation: this year’s show might’ve been one of the best yet. Honestly, I would’ve done anything to experience it in person, and I’m sure you would’ve too.Every artist dreams of hearing their name called on that stage, of being recognized by the Recording Academy. Watching young artists step into that moment is emotional, inspiring, and honestly hard not to root for. It’s a reminder of why music matters so much, not just the awards, but the journey it represents.
One of the most exciting parts of the night had to be Best New Artist. Seeing all eight nominees take over the stage felt like being introduced to the future of music in real time. Olivia Dean walked away with the win, but Lola Young, Alex Warren, Leon Thomas, Sombr, Addison Rae, The Marías, and KATSEYE each left their mark on this year’s Grammys. Best New Artist is never an easy category. You don’t get there off just one hit, it’s about growth, identity, and showing how an unfamiliar name can become a household one in a single year. Every performance felt intentional and personal. And if you didn’t know these artists before, you definitely do now, they’re Grammy performers.
And speaking of performances, that opening number was exactly how you kick off the entertainment event of the year. The band version of “APT” had the entire room on its feet and instantly set the tone for the night. If this was even a small preview of what’s coming on Bruno Mars’ upcoming summer tour… let’s just say the FOMO is very real.
Some of the most powerful moments of the night came from watching the underdogs win. Lola Young stood in complete disbelief as her song “Messy” was announced as Best Pop Solo Performance, and in that moment, she captured exactly what the night was about: celebration, resilience, and authenticity. After stepping away from her career to focus on her mental and physical health, her return felt especially meaningful. Anyone in the industry knows how hard it is to pause momentum, especially within a label system. So watching her win a Grammy for a song that not only charted but proved she’s anything but cookie-cutter made the moment truly unforgettable.
And while first-time wins are always special, the night wasn’t just about newcomers. Veterans reminded us that creative evolution never stops. Lady Gaga accepting Best Pop Album, her 16th Grammy, felt just as emotional as a debut win, especially as she described the project as a true comeback. Another history-making moment came when Bad Bunny won Album of the Year. A Puerto Rican reggaeton artist releasing a fully Spanish album and taking home the biggest award of the night, it was a cultural milestone. With three new Grammys added to his shelf and a Super Bowl halftime performance coming up next week, expectations are officially sky-high.
We also can’t overlook Kendrick Lamar, who won Record of the Year for the second year in a row, following his Grammy-winning halftime show last year. Greatness, consistency, and impact, no debate there.
At the end of the night, the 2026 Grammys weren’t just a recap of the year in music, they were a reminder of why we keep showing up, listening closer, and believing in what music can do.
