Grammy Ceremony Overview

The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony delivered its characteristic blend of numerous awards, impactful speeches, and intriguing performances.

Bad Bunny declared "ICE out" as he secured three awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, while KPop group Demon Hunters made history, and British singer Olivia Dean solidified her position as pop's brightest emerging star.

We stayed up all night to watch it, so you didn't have to.

Here are some of the most notable and challenging moments from "music's biggest night."

Cher's Surprise Appearance

Cher made an unexpected appearance at the Grammys—her first in 18 years—to receive a lifetime achievement award and to present the record of the year award.

While it was wonderful to see the singer, her segment was somewhat chaotic, reminiscent of a night out with Charli XCX.

She delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's dreams before exiting the stage without announcing the next nominees.

When she eventually returned, she confusingly announced that Luther Vandross had won, seemingly posthumously.

It was an understandable mistake, as it soon became clear she intended to say "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA—a track that samples the late soul singer.

If only she could turn back time.

"I love live television," laughed host Trevor Noah afterwards.

Opening Performance and Host Remarks

The show commenced with a vibrant rendition of "APT" by Bruno Mars and Rosé, which was nominated for several awards but did not win any.

Comedian Trevor Noah, hosting for the sixth and final time, explained that the track was inspired by a popular South Korean drinking game called Apartment.

He then humorously noted that, given recent events, Americans now have their own national drinking game.

"Every time you turn on the news, you drink," he quipped.

Pharrell Williams Honored

Pharrell Williams—known for hits like Kelis's "Milkshake," Justin Timberlake's "Rock Your Body," ODB's "Got Your Money," and his own feel-good anthem "Happy"—was awarded the Grammys Global Impact Award.

Dressed sharply in a pink tuxedo, he dedicated the award to "everyone in this room who believes in the power of black music." However, he appeared uncomfortable during a montage of his greatest hits.

"I don't know how y'all feel but, for me, it's like listening to your voicemail over like a loudspeaker," he observed.

Yungblud's Rock Performance

British artist Yungblud won Best Rock Performance for his live rendition of Black Sabbath's "Changes," recorded during Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert in Birmingham last year.

On the red carpet, the Doncaster singer described the award as "bittersweet" following Osbourne's death last summer.

He shared that his hotel had placed a picture of the late rock star "above the fireplace" in his room as a "little good luck charm," which he considered a "pretty epic" gesture.

Before the ceremony, Osbourne's widow Sharon told that the family was pleased that prominent rock figures united to "show their love and respect" through a tribute performance.

Walking the red carpet, Osbourne's son Jack remarked that it felt as though his father was present, although he noted that his dad "hated awards shows."

"He wouldn't want to be with us," he added with a laugh.

Sabrina Carpenter's Flight-Themed Performance

Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of last year's most memorable performances with a blooper-filled rendition of "Espresso." She returned in 2026 with a seatbelt-themed performance of her number one hit "Manchild."

Portraying an airline pilot, she twirled through baggage claim while dismissing a series of ineffective men—a surgeon, a priest, a magician, and an astronaut.

The performance was nonsensical but executed with such flair that it was captivating, culminating with her pulling a dove from a top hat.

In other words, she was not improvising. She demonstrated an aptitude for this kind of performance. The act landed successfully.

Leon Thomas' Awards

Leon Thomas won an early award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his song "Vibes Don't Lie," though he was absent to accept it.

Fortunately, his mother, Jayon Anthony, accepted the award on his behalf and presented a note explaining his absence.

"Right now he's on stage rehearsing," she explained before his performance in the Best New Artist medley.

Thomas did arrive in time to receive his second award—Best R&B Album for "Mutt."

KPop Demon Hunters' Historic Win

"Golden," the breakout hit from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, was awarded Best Song for Visual Media, marking the first Grammy Award for the K-pop genre.

South Korean-Americ...