In brief
The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off in high spirits with Rosé and Bruno Mars performing a rock-infused version of their chart-topping hit 'APT', nominated for three awards. Host Trevor Noah kept the audience entertained with witty remarks about the cultural nuances behind the song. As the night unfolded, Olivia Dean was celebrated as Best New Artist, while Kendrick Lamar broke records with his 26th Grammy win. The event emphasized performances over awards, with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and the group Katseye enchanting audiences with their dynamic acts.
The 2026 Grammy Awards, held earlier today, started off with a thrilling performance by K-Pop idol Rosé alongside pop star Bruno Mars. The duo electrified the audience with a rock twist on their collaborative hit 'APT', which is in the running for three awards, including Song of the Year.During the show, host Trevor Noah quipped about the song's South Korean drinking game inspirations, adding humor and context to the performance. 'In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink,' he joked, garnering laughs from the crowd.Among the evening's highlights was Olivia Dean, honored as Best New Artist. She delivered an inspiring acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of celebrating contributions from immigrants, reflecting on her own background.Kendrick Lamar also made headlines by winning the Best Rap Album for 'GNX', marking his 26th Grammy win and surpassing Jay-Z’s record for most wins in this category. He acknowledged his ongoing journey in hip-hop and expressed his continued dedication to the genre.Sabrina Carpenter captivated viewers with a mesmerizing performance of her hit 'Manchild,' dressed dramatically as a stewardess. Each artist showcased their individuality, making the ceremony an impressive display of emerging musical talent.Throughout the night, there was a clear focus on performance artistry, with only a handful of awards being presented during the three-hour broadcast, while the majority had already been announced earlier in the day.The event not only celebrated music but also provided a platform for artists to address pressing social issues, with several nominees and winners using their speeches to voice concerns about the current political landscape in the U.S.
