By Lauryn Jelsema, Culture Editor
Kendrick Lamar and SZA receiving the Record of the Year for “Luther” – Photo by Getty Images
The 2026 Grammys featured a variety of red-carpet styles, notable speeches and high-profile performances. However, the overarching theme of the night was cultural celebration and recognition of immigrants.
The ceremony got underway with Bruno Mars and Rosé performing their hit “APT.” Later, Mars delivered a solo, Soul Train-esque, performance of his new single “I Just Might.” This was the first-ever live performance of Mars’ latest song, marking a significant comeback in the singer’s career. The track is part of Mars’s upcoming album “The Romantic,” set to release on Feb. 27.
Although there was no direct relation to Mars’ ethnic heritage, the enthusiasm and style of the performance hinted at cultural influences. The singer often blends pop, funk, R&B and soul, and has cited that his diverse background often helps shape his music.
This year’s host was Trevor Noah, a celebrity actor, writer, producer, comedian, political commentator and television host, who has been hosting the Grammys for the past six years. After Rosé and Mars’s inaugural performance, Noah announced this would be his final time hosting. However, this is not due to being fired; after a successful, steady run, Noah has chosen to step down on his own terms.
“Yes, I want to set an example for anyone who might be watching the show. You know, just leave when your time is up,” said Noah, making a jab at current President Donald Trump’s indications of running for a third term. The host continued to make jokes aimed at Trump and his administration throughout the night, contributing to the political buzz surrounding the awards ceremony.
Other performances of the night included a combination of all the nominees for Best New Artist: KATSEYE, The Marias, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young and Olivia Dean. The act gathered mixed reactions from fans, with huge amounts of praise for Leon Thomas and The Marias, while KATSEYE and Addison Rae were subject to criticism for their vocals and overall energy.
Ultimately, the award went to British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, who won for her breakthrough work, including her debut album “Messy” and hit single “Man I Need.” Dean used her speech to reflect on her immigrant roots and commend other immigrants for their bravery.
“I’m a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated,” said Dean.
Black American culture also took the stage that night.
Lauryn Hill made her first Grammy appearance since 1999. Her performance was a tribute to Roberta Flack (who died in February 2025) and D’Angelo (who died in October 2025), two R&B legends. D’Angelo helped define the neo-soul genre during her time, while Flack’s influence went beyond her music as she helped coach young Black artists, even opening the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx in 2006. Hill was joined by a powerhouse lineup including Wyclef Jean, Leon Thomas, Lucky Daye, Chaka Khan, Raphael Saadiq, Lalah Hathaway and D’Angelo’s band, The Vanguard. The moment was hailed by viewers as an “unforgettable” celebration of Black musical legacy.
Kendrick Lamar, who has been called a rap icon and the voice of Black America, swept the Grammys last year by winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. This year, Lamar was the most nominated artist. In all, he won five Grammys at the 68th ceremony for a career total of 27, making him the most awarded rapper in history, even surpassing Jay-Z. “GNX” for Best Rap Album; “Luther” for Record of the Year; “TV off” for Best Rap Song; “Luther” for Best Melodic Rap Performance; and “Chains & Whips” for Best Rap Performance.
“Hip-hop is gonna always be right here… We gon’ be having the culture with us,” said Lamar in his speech for Best Rap Album, taking time to celebrate hip-hop culture, his peers and his roots.
“All the Latino kids in the hood watching, anything is possible,” said rapper Lefty Gunplay, who also won his first Grammy for his work on Lamar’s “TV Off.”
The final Grammy presented that night was the prestigious Album of the Year award, which was given to Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny for his sixth solo studio album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” He is the first Spanish-language artist to win the top prize in over six decades. Bunny also secured wins for Best Urban Album and Best Global Performance, totaling three awards for the night.
Bad Bunny receiving the award for Album of the Year – Photo by Getty Images
Bunny took time during his acceptance speech to speak out against ICE. “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens,” Bunny said, “We’re humans.”
Many of the speeches, including Bunny’s, were focused on the new immigration policies being implemented across the country.
“No one is illegal on stolen land,” said Billie Eilish after her track “WILDFLOWER” won Song of the Year. Kehlani spoke out against ICE during their acceptance speech for Best R&B Performance. Additionally, many of those in the audience were sporting “ICE OUT” pins, including Kehlani and Eilish.
Singer-songwriter Kehlani sporting her “ICE OUT” pin on the red carpet – Photo by Getty Images
The Grammys are meant to celebrate music and the accomplishments of artists throughout the year. At a time when overwhelming controversy surrounds immigration, it’s important to recognize the contributions that immigrants make to music and to the culture of the United States.
The Saint 