In brief
The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off with an electrifying performance from Rosé and Bruno Mars, showcasing a rock rendition of their nominated track APT. Host Trevor Noah delivered humor while several artists, including Olivia Dean and Kendrick Lamar, received accolades amidst poignant commentary on social issues. This year's ceremony emphasized performances over awards, with many musicians spotlighting their talents while raising awareness on relevant topics.
K-Pop idol Rosé and pop star Bruno Mars kicked off the 2026 Grammy Awards in explosive style.
The duo performed a rock version of their megahit APT, which is nominated for three prizes at the ceremony, including song of the year.
Host Trevor Noah noted that the song was based on a South Korean drinking game, whose rules were more complicated than the US equivalent. In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink, he joked.
British star Olivia Dean was one of the first winners, picking up best new artist about an hour into the ceremony. She used her speech to speak in support of immigrants.
I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, said the singer, whose grandmother Carmen was part of the Windrush generation. I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We're nothing without each other.
Earlier, Kendrick Lamar won best rap album for GNX, at which point he overtook Jay-Z as the rapper with the most Grammy Awards - 26 in total.
I'm not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music, he said. Hip-hop is always going to be right here.
It was the star's fourth victory in the rap album category, starting with 2016's To Pimp A Butterfly.
Lamar is also up for the night's main prize, album of the year, where he faces competition from Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Carpenter gave the second performance of the night, with an elaborate version of her number one hit Manchild. Dressed as a stewardess, she navigated the stage before taking to the skies with a finale featuring a dove.
All eight nominees for best new artist then showcased their talents in an extended segment celebrating emerging voices. Among them was British star Lola Young, playing a soulful version of her hit Messy.
In recent years, the Grammy ceremony has increasingly prioritized performances over lengthy speeches, with only nine prizes handed out during the three-hour telecast.
Throughout the event, political themes were voiced. Latin music legend Gloria Estefan expressed concern about the state of the country, and various artists donned badges reflecting their advocacy for immigration reform.
