Politics, pop, and power: Inside Grammy Awards 2026 winners

Bad Bunny made Grammy history by winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, becoming the first artist to take home the top prize with a Spanish-language album. Music historians say the win marks a turning point for global pop inside American award institutions.

The Dalai Lama won his first Grammy in the Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording category, surpassing nominees including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, underscoring the Academy’s widening definition of storytelling.

Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower and used her acceptance speech to criticize U.S. immigration enforcement. Media observers noted how her remarks continued a night-long pattern of artists blending awards recognition with political messaging.

Kendrick Lamar, alongside SZA, won Record of the Year for Luther. Lamar also claimed Best Rap Album for GNX, bringing his career total to 27 Grammys, officially surpassing Jay-Z as the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.

British singer Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, delivering an emotional speech referencing her immigrant roots. Industry analysts say her win reflects the Academy’s growing recognition of cross-Atlantic and soul-influenced pop voices.

Lady Gaga won Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem, reaffirming her longevity in a category increasingly dominated by younger artists. Critics highlighted her win as proof that reinvention still carries weight with Grammy voters.

Lola Young took home Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy, embracing the song’s raw emotional tone in a candid acceptance speech. Music commentators point to her win as a signal of the Grammys’ growing comfort with unpolished pop narratives.

Jelly Roll won the newly created Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken. The category restructuring sparked debate online, especially following Beyoncé’s earlier country wins, exposing genre identity tensions within the Academy. (Credit: X)

Pharrell Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, honoring his influence beyond music. Cultural analysts say the award reflects the Grammys’ expanding focus on legacy, innovation, and social impact alongside commercial success.