The 2026 Grammy Awards captivated audiences at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, featuring a blend of music legends and emerging talent. This year marked Trevor Noah’s final hosting, culminating in an evening dedicated to musical excellence. The event showcased a range of unforgettable performances that resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the diversity of today’s music scene.
The festivities began with a high-energy collaboration between Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars. Their performance of “APT.” set an electrifying tone for the night, combining heavy guitar riffs and an enthusiastic mosh pit to energize the crowd. The stage also welcomed other iconic artists, including Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and Reba McEntire, each delivering performances that left a lasting impact.
Top performances of the night
While the evening featured numerous remarkable musical moments, some performances stood out more than others. Here are the five standout acts from the 2026 Grammy Awards, ranked from good to extraordinary.
5. Best New Artists showcase
The Best New Artist segment began with a misstep as The Marías were mistakenly introduced as Addison Rae. Nonetheless, the band impressed with a haunting rendition of “No One Noticed”, captivating the audience. Following this, Addison Rae took the stage, channeling her mentor Charli XCX with an energetic performance of “Fame Is a Gun”. Other notable performances included KATSEYE with “Gnarly,” Leon Thomas offering a soulful acoustic rendition of “Mutt”, and Olivia Dean dazzling with her jazzy number, “Man I Need.” Lola Young also made an emotional connection with her heartfelt performance of “Messy”.
4. Sabrina Carpenter’s captivating act
With 2026 proving to be a breakthrough year for Sabrina Carpenter, she commanded the stage with her performance of “Manchild”. The act transported the audience into an airport scene filled with infatuated travelers, adding a humorous twist to her narrative of emotionally unavailable suitors that made her performance memorable.
Unforgettable highlights
The collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars stood out as a highlight, establishing a high bar for the evening. Their dynamic rendition of “APT.” showcased Rosé’s punk spirit and Bruno’s classic rock flair, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for an exhilarating night.
Justin Bieber, a perennial favorite, also made an impression with his bold performance of “YUKON”. Appearing on stage in only his underwear, he showcased his smooth vocals and guitar skills, much to the delight of fans. His wife Hailey was visibly enamored during the performance, adding a personal touch to the spectacle.
Tyler, the Creator’s artistic expression
As always, Tyler, the Creator pushed the limits of creativity with his performances of “Thought I Was Dead” and “Sugar on My Tongue”. Dressed in the green soldier uniform from his album cover, he began with dramatic flair, even holding a stick of dynamite, hinting at the explosive nature of his act. The stage transformed into a gas station, featuring a dramatically crashing car that caught fire, displaying a level of artistry rarely seen at such events.
Major award winners
The award ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in music. Olivia Dean received the title of Best New Artist, while Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas won Song of the Year for their heartfelt ballad. Kendrick Lamar, in collaboration with SZA, was awarded Record of the Year, and Bad Bunny took home the Album of the Year award for his work, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”. The evening served as a fitting tribute to artists shaping the current musical landscape.