
The ceremony opened with an electrifying performance of the chart-topping pop single “APT” by Rosé and Bruno Mars. Their collaboration set an energetic tone for the evening, signaling a show that balanced spectacle with emotional depth.
Live music took center stage with standout performances from Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and a medley showcasing this year’s emerging artists. The night concluded powerfully with Pharrell Williams and Clipse performing “So Far Ahead,” a closing act that drew both nostalgia and praise from the audience.
A moving tribute sequence honored musicians who passed away in 2025, including D’Angelo and Ozzy Osbourne. The segment reminded viewers how deeply the creative community feels each loss with visuals and live instrumentation underscoring the moment’s gravity as the Recording Academy honored those who have passed.
Beyond the performances, the Grammys delivered major wins and a few surprises. Cher received a spontaneous Lifetime Achievement Award, a moment that drew a standing ovation and emotional speeches from peers recognizing her decades of influence across genres and generations.
As the lights dimmed on another Grammy night, the 2026 edition stood out not just for its winners, but for its unflinching mix of celebration and conscience—a reflection of music’s enduring power to unite, challenge, and inspire.