The 2026 Grammy Awards showcased an impressive array of musical talent, featuring unforgettable performances that captivated both live audiences and viewers at home. The event, marked by a blend of high-energy collaborations and heartfelt tributes, presented numerous standout moments that resonated across diverse audiences.
As the evening unfolded, a variety of genres and styles highlighted the music industry’s rich diversity. Below, we outline the top performances that defined the night, ranked by their impact and memorability.
Top performances of the night
5. Best new artists
The evening commenced with an awkward introduction where The Marías were mistakenly named as Addison Rae. They handled the mix-up gracefully, delivering a hauntingly beautiful performance of No One Noticed. Following this, Addison Rae, inspired by her mentor Charli XCX, presented a sultry rendition of Fame Is a Gun. KATSEYE electrified the stage with their energetic performance of Gnarly, showcasing dynamic choreography. Leon Thomas charmed the audience with a guitar-focused rendition of Mutt, while Olivia Dean’s jazzy performance of Man I Need added elegance, especially in her striking red dress. Alex Warren and Lola Young contributed their unique styles with Ordinary and Messy, respectively, while Sombr impressed attendees with a cheeky outfit during his performance of 12 to 12.
4. Sabrina Carpenter’s airport-themed display
Sabrina Carpenter graced the Grammys stage with her hit Manchild, creating a whimsical airport scene that resonated with many. Her portrayal of emotionally and geographically unavailable men struck a chord, captivating the audience as she danced and sang her way through the performance.
High-energy collaborations
3. Rosé and Bruno Mars
The dynamic duo of Rosé and Bruno Mars electrified the stage with their collaboration APT. Rosé showcased her punk side while engaging energetically with fans, as Bruno highlighted his guitar skills and powerful vocals. Their performance set an exhilarating tone for the evening.
2. Justin Bieber’s bold appearance
Justin Bieber made a memorable entrance with his performance of YUKON, appearing in only his underwear—a bold choice that garnered significant attention. His smooth vocals and guitar work, enhanced by a looping pedal, created a mesmerizing experience, with his wife Hailey’s blushing presence adding to the moment’s charm.
The show’s grand finale
1. Tyler, the Creator’s theatrical showcase
Tyler, the Creator delivered the most impressive performance of the night with a medley of Thought I Was Dead and Sugar on My Tongue. Dressed in a green soldier’s uniform reminiscent of his album cover, he began dramatically by holding a stick of dynamite. The performance escalated into an artistic display featuring a staged gas station explosion, culminating in a dramatic car crash on stage. This visually stunning act left the audience in awe, showcasing Tyler’s creativity and theatricality.
Emotional tributes and recognition
In addition to standout performances, the night honored musical legends. Bad Bunny received the Album of the Year award for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, delivering an emotional acceptance speech in both English and Spanish. Cher presented the Record of the Year to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their collaboration luther, marking a historic moment in Grammy history.
As the 2026 Grammy Awards concluded, Trevor Noah bade farewell as host, closing a chapter on his tenure with humor and warmth. The performances, awards, and emotional tributes made this year’s Grammys a memorable celebration of music’s power and enduring impact on our lives.
