Grammys 2026: Kendrick Lamar Claims Five Wins, Bad Bunny Makes History
The 68th Grammy Awards lit up Los Angeles with musical triumphs. Kendrick Lamar was the night’s biggest star. He won an impressive five awards. This marks his second consecutive year dominating the ceremony. Lamar’s wins included Record of the Year for “Luther”. He also secured Best Rap Album for “GNX”.
Historic Wins for Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny made history with his Album of the Year win. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” became the first Spanish-language album to claim this top honor. This was a landmark moment for global music. Bad Bunny dedicated his win to Puerto Rico and immigrants. He used his speech to criticize the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Many artists wore “ICE out” pins in solidarity.
Kendrick Lamar’s Record-Breaking Achievement
Kendrick Lamar now holds a significant record. He became the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history. This surpassed the previous record held by Jay-Z. Lamar now has 27 career Grammy wins. His nominations totaled nine for the night. This marked his fourth Grammy night with five wins. He also achieved a second consecutive win for Record of the Year for “Luther”. This feat places him among an elite group of artists.
Other Notable Victories and Moments
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas won Song of the Year for “Wildflower”. This win made them the most-awarded artists in that category with three wins. Olivia Dean was honored as Best New Artist. Lady Gaga took home Best Pop Vocal Album for “Mayhem”. Tyler, The Creator’s “Chromakopia” won the inaugural Best Album Cover award. A K-Pop act won a Grammy for the first time. “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters received Best Song Written For Visual Media.
A Night of Political Statements
The ceremony in Los Angeles was not just about music. Trevor Noah hosted for his sixth and final time. He delivered sharp jokes throughout the night. Several artists used their speeches for political commentary. Bad Bunny’s “ICE out” message resonated widely. Billie Eilish also made a statement, saying “no one is illegal on stolen land”. These moments highlighted current social issues.
Performances and Tributes
The event featured electrifying performances. Artists like Rosé and Bruno Mars opened the show. Lady Gaga and Tyler, The Creator also took the stage. The In Memoriam segment honored music legends. Reba McEntire, Post Malone, and Lauryn Hill performed tributes. Cher’s appearance brought both moments of confusion and admiration. She mistakenly announced Luther Vandross for Record of the Year.
Industry Impact and Trends
The 68th Grammy Awards showcased a diverse musical landscape. International artists and non-English music gained significant recognition. Bad Bunny’s win underscored the global dominance of Latin music. Tyla’s win for Best African Music Performance also highlighted growing recognition for African music. These trends reflect an evolving industry. The ceremony recognized artistic diversity and genre expansion.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Grammy Awards celebrated current achievements. They also set a new standard for future ceremonies. Kendrick Lamar’s continued success is noteworthy. Bad Bunny’s historic win opened new doors. The night proved music’s power to unite and inspire. It also showed music’s role in social commentary. This event will undoubtedly shape future music conversations. The Los Angeles event offered a glimpse into music’s dynamic future.
