Photo Courtesy of the Grammy Museum
Jennifer Jimenez Announced As The Recipient Of The 2026 Music Educator Award
Jennifer Jimenez will be recognized at the Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, during Grammy Week 2026, on the day before the 2026 Grammys.
See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.
Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.
The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have announced Jennifer Jimenez of South Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida, as the recipient of the 2026 Music Educator Award. Jimenez will be recognized at the Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, during Grammy Week 2026, on the day before the 2026 Grammys.
In addition, nine music teachers have been announced as finalists for the award. Initial nominations were submitted from all 50 U.S. states. A complete list of the recipients is below.
View the full list of recipients for the 2026 Music Educator Award below.
Learn more about Jennifer Jimenez and the Music Educator Award below.
Learn More Jennifer Jimenez:
Jennifer Jimenez, a Kennedy Center Sondheim Inspirational Teaching Award winner and previous Grammy Music Educator Award Finalist, is currently in her 19th year as Director of Bands and Elective Department Chair at South Miami Senior High, an urban public school in the third-largest school district in the nation (MDCPS). Mrs. Jimenez, a native of Nebraska, fell in love with teaching and the Miami community during her days as a student at the University of Miami, where she was later inducted into the Band Hall of Fame.
Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Jimenez has served as a standard-bearer for excellence, community building, and music education advocacy. Her firm belief that "band is the family that you choose" has led her and her students to build a unique community that uplifts and inspires students and families. Her passion and standard of excellence have culminated in student performances at Carnegie Hall and two Super Bowls.
In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Jimenez is an avid grant writer, securing over $84,000 for her program. She has supported aspiring teachers by being a clinical supervising teacher and has supported her colleagues through district and state presentations, serving as an adjudicator, and through her active roles in the Florida Bandmaster's Association and a charter and state board member for Women Band Director International's Florida chapter.
As an advocate of music education for her students and community, Mrs. Jimenez earned Florida International University's Graduate Research Award for her work focusing on underrepresented populations in music education. Additionally, she has collaborated with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) to bring free and reduced-cost music programs and camps to the students of Miami.
An active professional musician, Mrs. Jimenez is the principal percussionist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Jimenez enjoys a beautiful community and family, including her husband, Desi, their children, Noah and Eden, and their puppy, Obi-Wan.
Learn More About The Music Educator Award:
Presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
The Music Educator Award program, including honorariums, is made possible by the generosity and support of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies.
Learn More About The Music Educator Award Honoree Process:
The award is open to current U.S. music teachers. Anyone can nominate a teacher β students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans, and administrators. Teachers can also nominate themselves. Nominated teachers are notified and invited to fill out an application.
Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students' lives. The final honoree receives a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school's music program. The nine additional finalists receive a $1,000 honorarium and matching grants. The remaining 15 semifinalists receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants.
Nominations For The 2027 Music Educator Award
Nominations for the 2027 Music Educator Award are now open.
Nominations for the 2027 Music Educator Award are due Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Applications for the 2027 Music Educator Award are due Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
2026 MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
| Music Educator Award Honoree | School | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Jimenez | South Miami Senior High School | Miami | Florida |
| Finalists | School | City | State |
| Jean-Paul Balmat | Mission Bay High School | San Diego | California |
| Stephen Blanco | Las Vegas High School | Las Vegas | Nevada |
| Jasmine Fripp | Tennessee State University | Nashville | Tennessee |
| Lisa Sunset Holt | Cedar Park High School | Cedar Park | Texas |
| Alyson Humphrey Smith | A.C. Steere Elementary School | Shreveport | Louisiana |
| Kevin McDonald | Wellesley High School | Wellesley | Massachusetts |
| Bill Podolski | H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program | Arlington | Virginia |
| Kevin Schoenbach | Oswego High School | Oswego | Illinois |
| Matthew Shephard | Meridian Early College High School | Sanford | Michigan |
2026 Grammys: Performances, Winners & Highlights
Photo: Joelle Grace Taylor
Norah Jones To Receive The Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award At The 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala
Warner Records will also be recognized as the label honoree at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala, which takes place Friday, May 8, in Los Angeles. The event will honor the 14 recordings newly inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
The Grammy Museum is honoring multi-Grammy-Award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Norah Jones with the Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. Taking place Friday, May 8, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the evening will honor the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which were announced in February. Jones will take the stage for a special performance during the evening, which will also feature one-of-a-kind musical moments from a lineup of artists to be announced soon.
The 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala will also recognize Warner Records as the 2026 label honoree in celebration of its enduring contributions to recorded music and its role in championing artists across generations.
The 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings include 11 albums and three songs that exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. Spanning nearly a century of recorded music, the newly inducted recordings range from 2Pac's All Eyez On Me to Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 to Radiohead's OK Computer. Others include recordings by Alice Coltrane, Bertha "Chippie" Hill, Ella Jenkins, Eric B. & Rakim, Funkadelic, Heart, Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, The Rouse Brothers, Selena, and The Soul Stirrers. Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy.
With 14 new titles added, the Grammy Hall Of Fame currently totals 1,179 inducted recordings.
See the full list of the 2026 recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame below.
See the full list of all recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
Tables and seats for the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala are now available for purchase.
Learn More About Norah Jones
With a career defined by timeless songwriting, unmistakable musicianship and a singular voice that has resonated across jazz, pop, soul, and country, Norah Jones has built a body of work that is both intimate and influential. Her artistry has shaped the sound of modern music for more than two decades, making her a fitting recipient of an honor that celebrates enduring creative impact.
"I'm so honored to receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award," Jones said. "Ray Charles was my musical hero, and he changed the way so many of us hear and feel music. To be recognized in connection with his legacy, and as part of a night that also celebrates such important recorded works, is special for me."
"Norah Jones represents the kind of artistry that leaves a lasting imprint on music and culture," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "Her work reflects a deep musicality, emotional honesty, and a spirit of exploration that echoes the legacy of Ray Charles himself. We are honored to celebrate Norah, this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame recordings, and Warner Records as part of an evening dedicated to the enduring impact of great music."
"Norah Jones has created a body of work defined by emotional honesty, musical depth, and a voice that is instantly recognizable," Grammy Museum President/CEO Michael Stickasaid. "Her artistry has resonated across generations and genres, which makes her a remarkable recipient of this honor. We're also proud to recognize Warner Records and to celebrate this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings β enduring works that continue to shape our understanding of music's history and impact."
Learn More About The Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award
Inspired by the boundless genius of Ray Charles β whose legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur forever transformed the musical landscape β the Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award recognizes an artist whose influence echoes across generations. The award celebrates artists who transcend genre, redefine creativity, and leave an indelible mark on music and culture. Whether through innovation in sound, groundbreaking artistry, or an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the recipient embodies the pioneering spirit of Ray Charles, one of music's greatest architects.
"Ray Charles was a singular artist whose influence continues to reach across every corner of music, and this award was created to honor that same spirit of originality, excellence and lasting impact," Ray Charles Foundation President Valerie Ervin said. "Norah Jones is an artist whose work reflects those qualities so beautifully, and we are thrilled to see her recognized with this year's Architect of Sound Award."
Multi-Grammy-Award-winning artist Jon Batiste received the inaugural Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award in 2025.
2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Inducted Recordings
ALL EYEZ ON ME β 2Pac (Album)
AMOR PROHIBIDO β Selena (Album)
CAR WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD β Lucinda Williams (Album)
DREAMBOAT ANNIE β Heart (Album)
"JESUS GAVE ME WATER" β The Soul Stirrers (Single)
JOURNEY IN SATCHIDANANDA β Alice Coltrane (Album)
MAGGOT BRAIN β Funkadelic (Album)
OK COMPUTER β Radiohead (Album)
"ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL" β The Rouse Brothers (Single)
PAID IN FULL β Eric B. & Rakim (Album)
PINK MOON β Nick Drake (Album)
RHYTHM NATION 1814 β Janet Jackson (Album)
"TROUBLE IN MIND" β Bertha "Chippie" Hill (Single)
YOUβLL SING A SONG AND IβLL SING A SONG β Ella Jenkins (Album)
About The Grammy Hall Of Fame
The Grammy Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy's National Trustees in 1973. The inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts with final ratification by the Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees.
Former Grammy Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich will produce the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala, alongside Ron Basile, Chantel Sausedo, Lindsay Saunders Carl, and Lynne Sheridan. Grammy- and Latin-Grammy-Award-winning composer, producer and conductor Cheche Alara will serve as musical director. Esteemed journalist Anthony Mason will return as host.
For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to halloffame@grammymuseum.org.
2026 Grammys: Performances, Winners & Highlights
Graphic Courtesy of The Grammy Organization
6 Ways The Grammy Organization Champions Music Education & Professional Development Year-Round
From mentorships and scholarships to immersive programming, here's how the Grammy organization supports working professionals and emerging creatives through year-round music education and professional development.
During her acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammys, Laufey delivered one of the most inspiring calls to action in Grammy history. Accepting the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for A Matter Of Time, the Icelandic singer/songwriter gave a massive thanks to all the music educators around the world.
"I owe everything to my music education, to my arts education," she passionately said from the Grammy stage. "We cannot cut arts funding. It's so important. What you all do here is so important."
Much like Laufey, the Grammy organization strongly champions the power of music education and professional development. To mark Music In Our Schools Month this March, the organization that provides year-round learning, networking, and professional development is spotlighting the life-changing impact of music learning, honoring music educators, and elevating the next generation of creators and industry professionals through curated programs and immersive initiatives. The organization's commitment to music education supports the entire music ecosystem β from classroom to career β and ensures emerging leaders are prepared to shape the future of music.
"For me, both music education and professional development are the same: It all points to continuing education," Dr. Chelsey Green, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy, told the Grammy organization in an exclusive interview for the Gramophone newsletter. "Staying on top of your development is the holistic education needed to be as rounded and healthy as an artist as you can, especially as so many independent artists are emerging and sustaining their careers independently."
Here are six essential ways the Grammy organization and its affiliates support working professionals and emerging artists and leaders through year-round music education and professional development.
Investing In The Next Generation Through Mentorship & Career Access
The Grammy organization provides access to mentorship programs, internships, workshops, scholarships, and networking opportunities to ensure that music's next biggest stars and industry leaders are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.
Grammy U & The Grammy U Mentorship Program
Grammy U is the Grammy organization's premier membership program for the emerging music community, designed to help aspiring creators and professionals launch their careers. One of its flagship initiatives, the annual Grammy U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music connects eligible Grammy U members with Recording Academy members for a six-month mentorship session, during which participants build relationships that often extend well beyond the program, with some mentees landing their first industry roles through the Grammy U Mentorship Program.
In celebration of Music In Our Schools Month, the Grammy U Mentorship Program will continue to host virtual programming for mentees this month, as well as Grammy U Mentorship Mixers across Chapters nationwide.
Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program & Symposium
Created by the Latin Recording Academy in 2016, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment initiative bridges the gender gap in the music industry by honoring influential women and empowering future leaders. Paying-it-forward and forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of this initiative, and in 2021, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation established its Mentorship Program, where past honorees and industry professionals provide personalized guidance to selected mentees over three months, offering insights into entrepreneurship, branding, career navigation, and leadership. Applications for the fifth cohort of the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program are open now through Monday, April 6.
In March 2026, the initiative launched its inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment Symposium, an inspiring, all-day gathering focused on mentorship, leadership, networking, and the advancement of women in music.
Opening Doors Through Scholarships & Financial Support
The Grammy organization actively works to remove barriers to opportunity via its various scholarship programs, which ensure talented students can pursue their dreams without financial limitations standing in the way.
Your Future Is Now
Presented by Amazon Music and the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), the Your Future Is Now scholarship program awards scholarships and hands-on, immersive professional development experiences to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program will return for its fifth year in 2026.
Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2021 in honor of late music executive and DJ Quinn Coleman, the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Grammy organization and Grammy Museum, provides professional development and resources that prepare students for full-time careers in music; resources include scholarships, stipends, wellness seminars, and internship opportunities at the Recording Academy or Latin Recording Academy.
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Scholarships
The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation is a global champion of music education and empowers communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music, such as:
The Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, which offers financial support toward a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2026 fall semester
Gifted Tuition Scholarships awarded to students to cover tuition and housing costs, as well as wrap-around services provided by the Foundation, toward a four-year bachelor's degree at the institution of their choice
Several Tuition Assistance Scholarships, which offer financial support to students pursuing or starting a degree in music in the 2026 fall semester
Learn more about and apply to the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship programs.
Immersive Learning: Real-World Industry Experiences
Professional development comes alive when students and rising professionals step into real music spaces and attain real-world experiences from working artists and executives. Here are a few examples the Grammy organization provides:
Grammy Camp
The music industry's only summer camp dedicated to delivering direct, real-world insight from working music makers, Grammy Camp is a national summer program for high school students. Led by Grammy winners, Grammy nominees, and music industry professionals, the program provides hands-on training and insider access across multiple disciplines β from performance and songwriting to production and music business.
Presented by the Grammy Museum, Grammy Camp is expanding to four U.S. cities for the 2026 summer season: Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Grammy In The Schools
The Grammy Museum's Grammy In The Schools program is a regional music industry career day, presented in partnership with a local Recording Academy Chapter, that provides insight to high school students about diverse career options in the music industry and direction on how to prepare for them.
The Grammy In The Schools Music Industry Career Day program connects high school students with Grammy winners, Grammy nominees, and working professionals across disciplines, offering candid conversations about what it takes to build a sustainable career in music. The program also features keynote panels as well as hands-on, interactive workshops where students can learn about producing a track, writing a song, and navigating the industry.
For Music In Our Schools Month, Grammy In The Schools 2026, in partnership with the Recording Academy's New York Chapter, heads to New Haven, Connecticut, this month for a day of hands-on learning and interactive sessions.
Professional Development & Networking At Every Stage
The Grammy organization prioritizes professional development for its members, as well as the creative community and the music industry at large, throughout the year, providing hands-on access to career pathways across the industry and helping emerging professionals build the networks and skills that shape long-term careers.
The Los Angeles Chapter's NEXT Class program, founded in 2014, provides real-life experiences and mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging Recording Academy members as they begin their paths as future leaders of the music industry.
The monthly Level Up series, one of the Grammy organization's many exclusive membership programs, engages Recording Academy members through purposeful programming focused on professional development and member networking. For Music In Our Schools Month, the Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Chapters will collaboratively host a special edition of Level Up featuring Education Committee Members discussing music and health spaces.
In 2024, the Grammy organization established the Music Education & Professional Development Committee (MEPD), a hub to centralize its efforts and facilitate collaboration regarding education and professional development initiatives across the Recording Academy and its affiliates. Currently led by Co-Chairs and industry executives Nikisha Bailey and Riggs Morales, the MEPD Committee amplifies the organization's mentorship and education initiatives for its collective +29,000 members across its Chapters, Wings and affiliates, including Grammy U, the Grammy Museum, MusiCares, the Latin Recording Academy, and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. The MEPD Committee includes Recording Academy members from across the country and activates locally at each of the Academy's 12 Chapters and on a national level.
Honoring The Educators Who Inspire The Next Generation
Every year, the Grammy organization proudly celebrates music educators through awards that spotlight the changemakers shaping the future of music and ensuring the impact and longevity of music education in the classroom.
Music Educator Award
Presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum, the Music Educator Award honors current educators who have made a significant contribution to music education while demonstrating a deep commitment to ensuring music education remains a vital part of school communities.
Jennifer Jimenez, of South Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida, received the 2026 Music Educator Award; she was honored at the annual Special Merit Awards ceremony in January during Grammy Week 2026.
Applications for the 2027 Music Educator Award are now open. Nominations are due March 15, 2026. Applications are due March 31, 2026.
Latin Music Educator Award
In 2025, the Latin Recording Academy, in partnership with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, launched the Latin Music Educator Award to honor educators from the global music community who are making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum.
Luciana Ortega, of the Instituto Santa MarΓa de San Carlos in Chile, was honored with the inaugural Latin Music Educator Award during Latin Grammy Week 2025 last November.
The Impact Of Music Education: By The Numbers
The Grammy organization's commitment to music education and professional development is reflected not only in its programs, but in the thousands of lives they impact every year. Here's a look at the organization's impact on music education and professional development by the numbers:
Grammy Museum (in the last year alone)
18,000: Number of K-12 students who attended a workshop, field trip, or program at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles
+38,000: Number of students and teachers who were impacted by 446 music education programs and initiatives at the Grammy Museum and across the country
$200,000: The amount awarded in grants for music research and sound preservation by the Grammy Museum
In 2025, the Grammy Museum announced free youth admission (17 and under), generously underwritten by the Stengaard Gross Family Education Initiative
Grammy U
+8,000: The amount of Grammy U members worldwide
+2,000: Participants in the current Grammy U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music
+130: Programs in 2025
700: Schools with members represented in Grammy U
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation
+$15 million: The amount the Foundation has awarded to students, schools, music programs, musicologists, and researchers from around the world to date
New programs launched by the Foundation in 2025
Leading Ladies of Entertainment Fireside Chat
Latin Grammy In The Schools Learning Session and After School
2026 Grammys: Performances, Winners & Highlights
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
9 Powerful Acceptance Speeches From The 2026 Grammys: Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga & More
From pro-immigrant statements to vocal support for women in music, these moving acceptance speeches from the 2026 Grammys reflected the moments defining music and culture today.
See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.
Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.
At the 2026 Grammys, winning artists took to the stage with much more than gratitude on their minds. Grammy winners such as Lady Gaga and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Cher supported rising artists, particularly women in the music industry. Kendrick Lamar deflected from his own victories to pay tribute to Luther Vandross, namesake of his Record-Of-The-Year-winning tune, and the hip-hop community at large.
In particular, many artists reacted to the ongoing campaign of deportations and anti-immigrant violence happening across the U.S. Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean all spoke movingly in support of immigrants, while many other artists wore "ICE OUT" pins.
Below, revisit some of the most moving acceptance speeches from the 2026 Grammys.
Kendrick Lamar Makes Rap History & Shouts Out The Hip-Hop Community
After dominating the 2025 Grammys with "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar took home five Grammys this year and became the rapper with the most Grammy wins ever. After winning three Grammys earlier in the day during the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the Los Angeles artist won the first Grammy Award of the telecast for Best Rap Album for GNX. With this Grammy win, he topped JAY-Z's 25 wins to snatch the record for most Grammys won by a rapper.
"Every time I tell you this: Hip-hop is gonna always be right here," Lamar said in his Grammy acceptance speech, dedicating his win to the hip-hop movement. "We gonna be in these suits, we gonna be looking good, we gonna be having our folks with us, we're gonna be having the culture with us."
Kendrick also shouted out Clipse, with whom he won Best Rap Performance earlier in the day for their track "Chains & Whips." He would return to the stage once more before the end of the night to take home the Grammy for Record of the Year for his song "luther" with SZA, bringing his career total to 27 Grammy wins.
Bad Bunny Stands Up For Immigrants
Of the many statements made in support of immigrants at the 2026 Grammys, few felt more powerful and resonant than Bad Bunny's, who twice spoke on the issue on the Grammy stage. Accepting the Grammy for Best MΓΊsica Urbana Album for DeBΓ TiRAR MΓ‘S FOToS, the Puerto Rican superstar front-loaded his acceptance speech with a rebuke of the dehumanizing rhetoric faced by immigrants, especially Latin Americans such as himself.
"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say: ICE out," he declared. "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."
Later that night, after winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, a visibly shocked and overwhelmed Bad Bunny returned to the stage to deliver another Grammy acceptance speech, though this time mostly in Spanish. It was an appropriate move considering the history-making album is the first non-English-language album to ever win the Grammy for Album Of The Year. But given his stunned reaction, Bad Bunny may have just been too emotional to so quickly translate most of his thoughts. But in a fitting move, he dedicated his Grammy win to "all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams."
Olivia Dean Tearfully Takes Best New Artist
"I never imagined I'd be up here, let alone nominated," Olivia Dean said as she tearfully accepted the Grammy for Best New Artist. Having just performed her U.K. chart-topping single "Man I Need" on the Grammy stage, the British singer used her platform to speak out in support of immigrants, including her own grandmother, who immigrated to the U.K. from Guyana as part of the Windrush generation.
"I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant," Dean said. "I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."
Lady Gaga Supports Women In Music
As well-known as she is for awards-show spectacles β Remember the meat dress? β Lady Gaga kept things (mostly) low-key and earnest. Following a dynamic performance of "Abracadabra," she returned to the stage to accept the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM.
Thanking her fiancΓ©, Michael Polansky, and her collaborators, including Cirkut, who won the Grammy for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical winner, and Gessaffelstein, the latter of whom won the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording for his remix of "Abracadabra," Lady Gaga offered some encouraging words for women in the music industry.
"When you're in the studio with a bunch of guys, it can be hard," she said. "Always listen to yourself and always fight for your ideas, fight for your songs, fight for yourself as a producer."
"Abracadabra" also won the Grammy for Best Dance Pop Recording, bringing her total career Grammy wins to 16.
Lola Young Swears She Didn't Expect Grammy Win
Though Lola Young certainly had stiff competition in the Best Pop Solo Performance Category, including veterans such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, nobody was more shocked at her Grammy win in than Young herself. The singer, also nominated for Best New Artist, had just wrapped an emotional piano rendition of her track "Messy" earlier in the evening, one of her first live performances in four months following a health scare.
"I don't have any speech prepared," a visibly shocked Young said. "I don't know what to say. Thank you so much!" Utterly overwhelmed and searching for words, Young dropped a few less-than-TV-appropriate words before thanking her friends and mother and fleeing the stage while in a state of pure ecstasy.
Billie Eilish Gets Serious During Song Of The Year Speech
Winning the Grammy for Song of the Year for "WILDFLOWER," her 10th Grammy, didn't seem to weigh heavily on Billie Eilish's mind as she took the stage to accept the award. Flanked by her brother and creative partner FINNEAS, both wearing "ICE OUT" pins, as were many of the other attendees, the pop star weighed in on the current anti-immigration policies being carried out in the U.S.
"No one is illegal on stolen land," Eilish said. "It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now β¦ I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter."
The more serious tone of the speech contrasted with Eilish's previous wins, but it felt more than appropriate given the current climate.
Cher's Audacious Return To The Grammy Stage
Cher is always a class act. With dozens of hits across a decades-spanning career, she earned the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award deservedly. Her acceptance speech on the Grammy stage quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
First, she gave a stirring speech reflecting on her storied yet tumultuous time in show business. "I was famous at 19 and had a top-rated show in my 20s, actually, but it didn't occur to me how rough my career was going to be," she said. "I was either a loser or winning an Oscar. I'm sure a lot of you in the audience know what I'm talking about."
Cher also reflected on her stint in the "elephant graveyard" of Las Vegas in the '80s and her pioneering use of AutoTune on her Grammy-winning hit single "Believe." She closed out her speech by encouraging the audience: "Never give up on your dream, no matter what happens. Live it, be it, and if it's not happening now, it will happen soon."
Then things got a little bit β¦ whacky. Apparently unclear that she would be presenting the Grammy for Record of the Year, the singer nearly walked off the stage before the crowd and host Trevor Noah coaxed her back. Then she mistakenly declared the late Luther Vandross the winner, in reference to the winning song, "luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Oh Cher, don't you ever change!
Jelly Roll Goes Full Country Music
Jelly Roll had already won two Grammys earlier in the day for collaborations with Brandon Lake and Shaboozey, but it wasn't until the evening that he got to ascend the Grammy stage solo. Winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, he made his acceptance speech into a sort of country song in its own right, thanking his wife, referencing his Christian faith, and describing the troubles that led him to turn to music.
"I didn't think I had a chance, y'all," he said. "There were days that I thought the darkest things. I was a horrible human β¦ There was a moment in my life that all I had was a Bible this big and a radio the same size and a six-by-eight-foot cell. And I believed that those two things could change my life."
The singer wrapped his speech by once again invoking religion: "Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label."
"luther" Wins Record of the Year
Cher may have been a bit off when she confidently misread that the Grammy for Record of the Year was going to "Luther Vandross." But the actual winners, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, made it clear that their chart-topping tune "luther" was a spiritual victory for the legendary R&B star who inspired the song, which prominently samples Vandross' and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 cover of "If This World Were Mine."
"First and foremost, let's give a shout-out to the late, great Luther Vandross," co-producer Sounwave began. "It was very, very, very important to keep the integrity of his record."
Lamar echoed the sentiment. "It's one of my favorite artists of all time, and they granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you we damn near all dropped a tear.
"Being able to put our vocals on it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals," he continued. "They granted us that. They said, 'No cursing,' though."
Finally, SZA struck a note of hopefulness at the end of the speeches. "I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary, and all is lost," she said. "We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other and trust ourselves, trust your heart. We're not governed by the government, we're governed by God."
This Grammy win for "luther" puts Lamar in elite territory as a back-to-back Record Of The Year Grammy winner, joining fellow winners like Billie Eilish, U2, and the late Roberta Flack, the latter of whom was tributed in the annual In Memoriam celebration led by Ms. Lauryn Hill earlier in the ceremony.
2026 Grammys: Performances, Winners & Highlights
Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
7 Eye-Catching Outfits From The 2026 Grammys: Chappell Roan, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, KATSEYE & More
Biggest Night doubles as one of the biggest nights in fashion. Relive some of the most unforgettable fashion looks from the 2026 Grammys, from Chappell Roan's spicy Mugler moment to Bad Bunny's history-making haute couture.
See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.
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The Grammys have undeniably always been Music's Biggest Night, but there's an argument its one of fashion's biggest nights, too. Over the years, the Grammys have offered fans an endless display of eye-catching and boundary-pushing fashion, in between celebrating music, and the 2026 Grammys were no exception.
The sartorial parade began, of course, on the Grammy red carpet, where Grammy nominees, presenters, and more of the music industry's brightest stars celebrated the year in musical excellence. But with plenty of outfit changes, over-the-top performances and surprise appearances during the show, the can't-miss looks continued throughout the entire evening β all the way up until host Trevor Noah bid the millions watching at home a good night.
Below, check out some of the most unforgettable and talked-about looks from the 2026 Grammys, from Chappell Roan's spicy Mugler moment to Bad Bunny's history-making haute couture.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan, last year's Best New Artist winner, turned heads on the Grammy red carpet with a custom Mugler ensemble involving nipple rings, pastie prosthetics, and a plethora of medieval-inspired temporary tattoos. (The entire look was directly inspired by Mugler's Jeu de Paume couture collection from spring/summer 1998.)
While the risquΓ© outfit set the internet positively ablaze, Roan β who was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her 2025 single "The Subway" and presented this year's Grammy Award for Best New Artist to Olivia Dean β shrugged off the online pearl-clutching with a laugh.
"Giggling because I don't even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look's actually so awesome and weird," Roan wrote in an Instagram post after the Grammys.
"I recommend just exercising your free will it's really fun and silly :D," the Midwest Princess continued. "Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!"
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter was nothing short of a vision when she arrived at the 2026 Grammys wearing a romantic custom gown by Valentino.
Honoring the late Italian fashion icon, who died in January at 93, the superstar's dress featured a dainty, sheer capelet for the sleeves, a sparkling bodice made of crystalline, beaded flowers, and a cascading, ruffled skirt.
Nominated for six Grammys β including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album β for her 2025 album Man's Best Friend, Carpenter lit up the Grammy stage early in the telecast with a maximalist production number of her No. 1 single "Manchild," which also earned nods for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video. For the high-energy, airport-themed number, Carpenter changed into a corseted pilot's uniform, complete with matching white go-go boots and an old-fashioned airline captain's hat.
KATSEYE
KATSEYE expertly resurrected the immortal tradition of girl groups rocking matching looks on the Grammys red carpet. The sextet looked all sorts of angelic in their coordinated white and silver gowns by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, complete with studded silver detailing and ample use of both halter necklines and lace.
Of course, during the telecast, the first-time Grammy nominees changed into more choreography-friendly outfits to perform their addictive single "Gnarly" β a high-octane highlight from the Best New Artist medley that also featured performances from fellow Best New Artist Grammy nominees The MarΓas, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young, sombr, and eventual winner Olivia Dean.
KATSEYE weren't the only group sporting a matching aesthetic at the show. British girl group FLO, who earned their first Grammy nomination this year in the Best Progressive R&B Album Category, served up regal shades of royal blue on the red carpet just days after paying tribute to Mariah Carey with a cover of "Dreamlover" at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala. The sisters of HAIM, meanwhile, opted for a trio of strappy black-and-silver dresses by Louis Vuitton. Plus, on the menswear side of the aisle, Pharrell Williams matched with Clipse in peachy velvet suits before hitting the Grammy stage to perform their 2025 collaboration "So Far Ahead," off the Grammy-nominated Let God Sort Em Out.
Teyana Taylor
Fresh off her win at the 2026 Golden Globes, Teyana Taylor wore an ab-baring gown by Tom Ford at the 2026 Grammys.
The budding multi-hyphenate, who earned her first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album for her 2025 album Escape Room, wowed in an asymmetrical look made of metallic chain mail. Continuing the red carpet theme of daring, nearly-naked fashion, the dress featured an innovative strapless design that had to be seen to be believed.
Perhaps the most striking detail, though, is that Taylor reportedly styled herself for the evening, pairing the sculptural gown with a plunging gold necklace from Tiffany & Co., bronzed makeup, and a matching manicure.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum's dress at the 2026 Grammys was both a high-fashion moment and a technological marvel. Dreamed up by Berlin-based designer Marina Hoermanseder, the skin-toned leather look brought new meaning to "nude illusion," with the dress sculpted to a mold of the supermodel's body.
"She did a little mold, and then everything is done by leather. She makes it wet, it gets molded, then she dries it. Then it gets lacquered, sprayed and voila!" Klum explained on the Grammy red carpet while dishing on "Red Eye," her new collab with Diplo created for the upcoming season of "Germany's Next Topmodel."
"I always go for, like, a showstopper kind of an outfit, you know? I'm never someone who's like, 'This looks nice,'" the longtime "Project Runway" host concluded. "I always like something special."
Following the ceremony, Hoermanseder gave followers a behind-the-scenes peek at the process of making Klum's body-baring gown via an insightful Instagram carousel. The fashion designer showed off every step of the painstaking process β from creating the very first sketches and computer models to stretching and drying the leather by hand before matching its color precisely to Klum's skin.
Bad Bunny
Hours before Bad Bunny's triumphant night at the Grammys ended with his historic win for Album of the Year, it started with the perfect Schiaparelli tuxedo.
Inspired by a gender-bending design from the French maison's Couture runway show in 2023 and featuring a laced-up, corset-style back and subtle measuring tape lapel, Benito's dapper tux made its own mark on fashion history as Schiaparelli's very first Haute Couture custom menswear look to ever grace a red carpet.
Following the 2026 Grammys, Schiaparelli took to social media to celebrate Bad Bunny's trio of big wins for Album of the Year, Best MΓΊsica Urbana Album, and Best Global Music Performance. They also gleefully pointed out the fact that the past three Album of the Year Grammy winners have all accepted their Grammys while wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture β including BeyoncΓ© in 2025 for COWBOY CARTER and Taylor Swift in 2024 for Midnights. Talk about a high fashion hat trick!
Harry Styles
Harry Styles served as the final presenter at the 2026 Grammys, returning to the Grammy stage to announce this year's winner for Album of the Year. And while the three-time Grammy winner didn't walk the Grammy red carpet, he still managed to make quite the sartorial statement by pairing a dazzling Dior blazer with β of all things β casual dark wash jeans.
"A truly great album can change the way you see everything. An artist can take you on a journey as you discover the world together. The best albums stay with you, and you can always return to them, just like old friends," Styles said, before listing off the eight albums nominated for Album of the Year and ultimately announcing Bad Bunny's DeBΓ TiRAR MΓ‘S FOToS as the year's big winner.
