The 68th Annual Grammy Awards have officially wrapped, delivering an evening that managed to hold spectacle, glamour, humour and politics in careful tension, while still allowing the music to remain firmly at the centre.
The night unfolded through glittering performances, incisive speeches and a slate of long-overdue wins, many accompanied by genuinely tear-jerking acceptance moments—Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean, we’re looking at you.
While some viewers tune in for the red carpet theatre and others for the trophy tally, it is often the moments that could only happen on this stage that linger longest. Chief among them was Bad Bunny accepting his historic Album of the Year win for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, marking the first time a Spanish-language album has claimed the Grammys’ top honour.
Nominees including Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga were joined by presenters Charli XCX, Cher, Chappell Roan and Doechii, with Harry Styles making a surprise appearance late in the evening to present the final award.
On the trophy front, the night’s major wins went to Olivia Dean for Best New Artist, Billie Eilish and Finneas for Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar and SZA for Record of the Year, and Bad Bunny for Album of the Year. The majority of the 95 awards were distributed earlier at the non-televised premiere ceremony, hosted by Darren Criss.
Between Trevor Noah’s sharp hosting, emotionally resonant speeches and a steady stream of self-aware industry humour, the ceremony struck a rare balance between spectacle and sincerity.
Scroll on for the moments that defined this year’s Grammys.
All Our Favourite Moments From The 2026 Grammys
Bad Bunny’s Pointed Acceptance Speeches
As Bad Bunny accepted the award for Best Album, he delivered an emotional speech that felt urgently of the moment. Opening with the stark declaration, “ICE out,” the Puerto Rican star used the platform to articulate a message rooted in unity and resolve.
“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he said, before underscoring the emotional core of his address. “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. So, please, we need to be different.”
Bad Bunny walked away with three awards on the night, marking a significant moment for Latin music, a genre long overlooked by major awards ceremonies despite its global cultural and commercial impact.
Harry Styles’ Surprise Cameo
Despite a stacked presenter line-up announced by the Recording Academy, it was Harry Styles who delivered the final and most unexpected moment of the night, emerging to present Album of the Year.
Having skipped both the red carpet and the audience, Styles’ appearance landed with extra impact. His look was notably pared back: jeans anchored the outfit, offset by mint-green Dior mules and a cropped, crystal-embellished blazer worn shirtless.
On stage, he reflected on the enduring power of music, describing great albums as journeys that linger, ones you can always return to, “just like old friends.”
Protest Was Pinned In Plain Sight
Numerous high-profile attendees including Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, Billie Eilish and Brandi Carlile wore small but unmistakable “ICE Out” buttons pinned to their awards-night looks.
The gesture signalled solidarity with ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and its expanded role under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.
The issue has drawn heightened scrutiny in recent weeks following protests and clashes in Minneapolis, including the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Cher’s Lifetime Achievement Award & Awkward Blunder
It’s hard to believe that Cher is only now receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for her iconic music career. Returning to the Grammy’s stage for the first time in 18 years, the songstress accepted the award from host, Trevor Noah, before giving a speech about never giving up on your dreams.
The appearance took a somewhat awkward turn, however, when Cher began departing the stage only to be called back to present the award for Record Of The Year.
The award reveal only became more stilted when Cher paused, seemingly lost for what to do after the nominees were announced.
“Oh, they told me it [the winner] was going to be on the prompter!” She laughed before opening the envelope and declaring ‘Luther’ by Kendrick Lamar the winner. The announcement was met with more confusion with many viewers interpreting her words as “Luther Vandross”. She quickly corrected herself, however, shouting “No, Kendrick Lamar!”
Justin Bieber Strips It Back
Justin Bieber’s highly-anticipated Grammys performance was pared back in more ways than one. Taking to the awards stage for the first time since 2022, the ‘Baby’ singer donned nothing more than pale blue silk boxers and black socks from his brand, Skylrk.
Completing the rock star ensemble was a purple electric guitar, looping kit and spotlight which set the scene and beat for a toned-down rendition of his latest hit, ‘Yukon’.
As the song came to a close, Bieber walked slowly off stage before returning moments later to cut off the echo of his still-blaring loop pedal.
