Grammys 2026: Music’s Biggest Night or Biggest Headlines?

By Paige Apps, Contributor

The 2026 Grammys were no stranger to making headlines this year, and I must admit that Trevor Noah clearly did his homework with the numerous jokes he included in his monologues to conclude his six years of hosting the annual awards ceremony. If you did not have a chance to sit through the three-and-a-half-hour show, do not fear, because yours truly did it so you wouldn’t be traumatized by Lady Gaga’s performance of “Abracadabra.” Still unclear on if I witnessed a seizure or a demonic possession…maybe both?

All jokes aside, I will admit that I watched this year’s ceremony purely in hopes that Olivia Dean would take home a Grammy for best new artist. Manifesting must be my strong suit – and that acceptance speech was one for the books. I have to say, the speeches this year were one of my favorite parts of the show. In his speech after accepting the award for best música urbana album, Bad Bunny stated, “We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.” I think the sun is shining a little too brightly in my eyes, I swear I’m not crying, that's just you.

The Puerto Rican also claimed the Recording Academy’s top prize that night, and it was the first time a Spanish-language album has taken home the album of the year. Harry Styles made an appearance to present Bad Bunny with the award, skipping the red carpet entirely and showing up at the last minute in his sparkling silver Dior blazer with no shirt on (obviously), mint green shoes with bows and… jeans? Happy birthday indeed, Harry!

On the topic of presenting the “big four” awards, did Cher know why she was there? I feel as though no one told her she had to stay on stage to announce the nominations… or read the winner off the envelope… and the right name for that matter. What do I know though – I just go here.

Performances are obviously something that everyone viewing looks forward to, and I think I speak for the masses when I say that Alex Warren handled the technical issues with his in-ears much better than I would’ve. Can we also take a minute to acknowledge Justin Bieber performing in crystal embellished boxers… and only boxers… and socks. You do you, boo, I was just a little confused. I personally LOVED Lola Young’s stripped back performance of “Messy,” and although it’s a very controversial topic on whether or not she didn’t deserve best pop solo performance, I wasn’t against it. I do feel bad that Sabrina Carpenter didn’t walk away with any Grammys that night; it’s very surprising that out of six nominations none were successful. Maybe that’s why I’m not a part of the Recording Academy voting panel.

On another note, the tributes were beautiful this year and I love how many talented musicians were involved. Reba McEntire (my queen) took the stage at the Grammys for the first time ever alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson to open the segment, and her voice never fails to give me full body chills. Post Malone followed up with an amazing tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with Slash, Andrew Watt, Duff McKagan and Chad Smith with a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Tears. Lauryn Hill’s tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack was accompanied by many artists, including Jon Batiste, Leon Thomas and Bilal. There is a reason that the tribute segment is my favorite part of the entire awards ceremony.

Overall, music’s biggest night was certainly one for the record books and I had a lot of opinions (apologies to anyone who was on my private story on Snapchat on the night of Feb. 1st). I for one am looking forward to the Grammys in 2027, and I’m also hoping that the red carpet doesn’t hurt my eyes like it did this year (*cough* Chappell Roan cough). On that note, I will offer my congratulations to all the winners in their respective categories, and I hope to see Harry Styles with a nomination next year.