Last year, Chappell Roan and Doechii lit up music’s biggest night with standout performances that were both exuberant and electrifying.
And on Feb. 1, a new crop of performers – Sabrina Carpenter, Rosé, Lady Gaga and the best new artist nominees, among them – flexed their chops on stage at the Grammy Awards. Artists including album of the year winner Bad Bunny and song of the year winner Billie Eilish got fiercely political in their speeches, and Cher was honored with a (surprise) lifetime achievement prize.
This year’s ceremony capped off a whirlwind weekend in Los Angeles, where Mariah Carey was feted by MusiCares for her artistic and philanthropic achievements, and Team “KPop Demon Hunters” brought down the house at Clive Davis’ party with the Oscar-tipped “Golden.”
Here are the best and worst musical moments from the 2026 Grammys:
Mars and Blackpink singer Rosé opened the show with a scorching take on their 2024 smash “APT.,” a frothy, clap-along stomper that interpolates Toni Basil’s 1982 single “Mickey.” Mars, ever the consummate showman, was more muted than we’ve seen him in past performances, standing in place as he thrashed his electric guitar. Instead, he ceded the stage to Rosé, who was pop-punk chic in a white tank and loose black tie. The New Zealand-South Korean singer bounced around and mugged for the camera in playful rock-star fashion, although her vocals were often drowned out by Mars’ robust backing band The Hooligans.
